• Kenya launches initiative linking local and Thai tech firms
• Nairobi event connects 14 Thai and 50+ Kenyan companies
• Move aims to boost partnerships, investment, and digital economy growth

Kenya is stepping up efforts to deepen its international technology partnerships. Information, Communications and Digital Economy Minister William Kabogo Gitau said on Saturday a matchmaking initiative linking Kenyan and Thai tech firms had been launched, in a move to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Held in Nairobi, the event brought together 14 Thai ICT companies and more than 50 Kenyan firms. It aims to drive concrete collaboration through business matchmaking sessions, helping companies identify investment opportunities, technology partnerships and joint development projects.

“On the sidelines, we held a bilateral engagement that explored key areas of cooperation, including ICT development particularly at the ward level trade and investment promotion, tourism, the creative economy, and agriculture. We also discussed expanding market access for Kenyan produce such as avocados, macadamia, and fresh flowers,” the minister said.

The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to support the digital economy, with backing from the ICT, trade and foreign affairs ministries. Kenya’s tech ecosystem is among the most advanced in Africa, attracting significant funding. Startups raised $335 million in 2023, $221 million in 2024 and $1 billion in 2025, according to Partech Africa.

With this move, Nairobi is seeking to diversify its technology partnerships by expanding ties with Asia while reinforcing its position as a regional digital hub. The country has also strengthened cooperation with Singapore, India and the European Union to support its digital transformation.

Adoni Conrad Quenum