Eng.John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS

About

Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT & Digital Economy | Government of Kenya I am a technology leader, engineer, and public-sector executive driving Kenya’s digital transformation and positioning the country—and Africa—as a globally competitive digital economy. In my role as Principal Secretary for ICT & Digital Economy, I lead national programmes across digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, cloud computing, data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure (DPI), digital skills development, research and innovation, local content ecosystems, and emerging technologies including semiconductors. With over 20 years of experience in engineering, ICT leadership, and public service, I have delivered large-scale national and international initiatives that connect technology policy, infrastructure investment, and economic transformation. My work focuses on building strong public–private partnerships, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), strengthening innovation ecosystems, and enabling startups, MSMEs, and talent to scale locally and globally. I am particularly focused on: • Building secure, resilient digital infrastructure and hyperscale-ready cloud ecosystems • Advancing AI strategy, data governance, and trusted digital systems • Expanding digital skills, STEM education, and applied research • Positioning Kenya as a regional hub for data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced digital services • Leveraging green energy to power sustainable digital growth I believe Africa’s next phase of growth will be driven by technology-enabled productivity, smart regulation, skilled human capital, and homegrown innovation scaled through global partnerships. Kenya’s Silicon Savannah is no longer a concept—it is an execution agenda with measurable impact. Let’s build the future of Africa’s digital economy—collaboratively, sustainably, and at scale