Economic Planning Department KE

GLOBAL DATA FESTIVAL 2026 OPENS IN NAIROBI

The Global Data Festival 2026 kicked off today at the Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi, marking a historic moment as the prestigious summit is hosted on African soil for the first time.

The event themed: "Powering Resilience, Innovation, and Partnership through Data and Technology.” has brought together over 1,500 delegates from 90 countries.

The conference was officially opened by the Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who underscored Kenya’s commitment to leveraging data and technology as key drivers of sustainable development.

The Deputy President emphasized that Kenya is strategically positioning itself as a leader in data governance, digital transformation, and evidence-based policymaking.

He highlighted the critical role of partnerships in unlocking the full potential of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Earth Observation (EO) data to address pressing challenges in agriculture, climate resilience, and economic stability.

The festival, organized in partnership with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, has transformed Nairobi into a high-tech hub, placing the country at the center of global conversations on the future of data.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics has taken center stage, showcasing its leadership in modernizing data collection and analysis through satellite imagery and real-time analytics.

In collaboration with the ongoing Kenya Space Expo & Conference (KSEC), KNBS demonstrated how Earth Observation (EO) data is improving crop yield predictions, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

Beyond exhibitions, the festival is providing a dynamic platform for engagement among policymakers, technology leaders, and development partners, with discussions focusing on harmonizing data standards across Africa.

As the summit continues through June 5, attention will shift towards securing international investment in local data infrastructure. Stakeholders remain optimistic that partnerships formed in Nairobi will help shape the future of global data collaboration.

Present were; Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Roselinda Soipan Tuya, British High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E Matt Bough OBE, Ambassador Philip Thigo, Technology and Public Policy Expert, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing'oei, Secretary, Economic Planning, Timothy Gakuu, Executive Director SDGs Kenya Forum, Ms. Florence Syevuo, Executive Director of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis Dr. Elda Onsomu, among others.

TO ALL OUR FOLLOWERS, Facebook . Thank you for the Support as you celebrate this Day with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters.

PLANNING WEEKLY BLOG

GRASSROOTS ECONOMIC DIALOGUES INTERDENOMINATIONAL INITIATIVE OFFICIAL LAUNCH IN BUSIA COUNTY

The Government of Kenya through the State Department for Economic Planning, on Friday, 22nd May, 2026 officially rolled out the Grassroots Economic Dialogues for Inter-Faith Groups termed “Brethren to Brethren Fellowship” initiative at Busende Secondary School, Busia County.

Dubbed “Gumzo La Uchumi Mashinani“ the initiative is part of the ongoing nationwide public engagement forums aimed at strengthening inclusive and people-centered development.

While officially inaugurating the initiative, The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Hon. FCPA John Mbadi emphasized on the importance of enhancing collaboration between the National Government, County Governments, private sectors and development partners in driving Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.

CS Mbadi noted that prudent public finance management, evidence-based policymaking and citizen participation remain key pillars in advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

"Forums such as Gumzo La Uchumi Mashinani are
therefore important in promoting transparency, accountability and citizen ownership of the National development agenda," CS Mbadi reiterated.

He further highlighted the need to empower the people through strategic investments in Agriculture, Macro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Infrastructure and Digital Innovation to create sustainable livelihoods and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Recognizing that sustainable economic transformation depends on informed citizen engagement, the Cabinet Secretary said that the programme seeks to simplify economic planning and budgeting processes, making them easier for the ‘Common Mwananchi’ to understand and contribute to.

On his part, the Economic Planning Principal Secretary, Dr. Bonface Makokha noted that Economic Planning remains central to coordinating National development priorities and ensuring effective implementation of Government BETA Pillars.

He emphasized that engaging Religious Leaders is strategic due to their extensive grassroots networks and influence in promoting social values, civic responsibility and National unity.

Consequently, the Busia Chapter Dialogues has promoted inclusivity by ensuring representation from all 35 wards with deliberate consideration for Gender balance and the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The programme is firmly anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) which guarantees public participation in governance and National development planning.

Significantly, aligned with the National Development Agenda, Counties continues to champion citizen-centered and evidence-based decision-making, reinforcing their roles as a key drivers of Kenya's shared growth.

Together, the two Levels of Government will continue building a stronger, more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Nation for present and future generations.

NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) on X

GUMZO LA UCHUMI MASHINANI FE’TE’, BUSEDE SCHOOL BUSIA COUNTY. GRASSROOTS DIALOGUES, “Brethren to Brethren Fellowship.”