Kenyan stakeholders hold inaugural meeting in preparation for Nairobi IGF

The IGF is an annual United Nations-led global platform for multistakeholder dialogue on internet governance established in 2006 following the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

The forum brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community to discuss key issues shaping the digital world.

Following the WSIS+20 review process, the IGF was recently confirmed as a permanent UN forum, strengthening its role as a central platform for global digital dialogue. 

The 21st edition of the forum positions Kenya at the center of global digital governance discussion at a time when issues such as artificial intelligence governance, data sovereignty, and equitable internet access are shaping international policy.

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Abraham Korir Sing’oei was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as the Host Country Co-Chair of the IGF’s Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), according to the 2026 MAG membership list released by the forum.

The inaugural meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Sing’oei, alongside Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Steve Isaboke, and Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo.

Speaking after the meeting, PS. Sing’Oei emphasized the significance of the country hosting the forum under its permanent UN mandate. 

“Having co-facilitated the WSIS+20 review that successfully designated the IGF as a permanent United Nations forum, Kenya is making history by hosting the very first meeting under this new permanent mandate,” Sing’Oei said. 

He further described the responsibility ahead as a collective national effort.

“This is a tremendous responsibility for our committee; uniting government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the technical community,” he added.

As part of the preparations, United Nations assessment missions are expected to arrive in Nairobi later this month to evaluate venues, infrastructure readiness, and overall preparedness for the global event.

“Beyond ensuring seamless logistics and high-speed connectivity, our goal is to leverage Kenya's robust digital public infrastructure and vibrant tech ecosystem to shape the global digital agenda,” Sing’Oei highlighted Kenya’s ambition to leverage the forum to showcase its digital leadership.

“We are determined to use this historic forum to elevate the voices of Africa and the Global South, ensuring we don't just host the conversation, but help steer the future of global digital governance,” he added.