Kenya leverages Estonia as blueprint for digital transformation

Lezeth Khoza
By Lezeth Khoza, Junior journalist
Johannesburg, 05 Dec 2025
William Kabogo, cabinet secretary for Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
William Kabogo, cabinet secretary for Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Kenya is deepening its partnership with Estonia to accelerate its digital transformation and advance national policies.

The alliance was solidified during the Kenya Edition of the 2025 Latitude59 global tech forum, hosted in Nairobi, attended by the ambassador of the European Union to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, the ambassador of Estonia to Kenya, Daniel Schaer, as well as leaders from Latitude59, global investors, founders, and innovators.

William Kabogo, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, opened proceedings and said Kenya has arrived at a defining moment in its technological transformation, evident in the expansion of digital infrastructure, strategies to strengthen cyber security, and modernising data governance.

The collaboration between the African and European countries dates back to 2017, with Estonia recognised as a mature and resilient digital powerhouse known for its extensive e-governance, a thriving start-up ecosystem, and strong focus on deep-tech, cyber security, and AI.

Since then, the partnership has evolved after initial diplomatic contacts and ICT cluster visits. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2020 established the cooperation framework, followed quickly by the September 2021 launch of the Estonian Opiq ed-tech platform in Kenya, a cloud-based digital learning platform and library used by pupils and educators.

Between 2022 and 2024 collaboration led to more progress through the work of the Estonian Centre for International Development and private firms like Trinidad Wiseman, who successfully digitised key public services such as birth registration and facilitated IT talent exchange programs.

This progression culminated in the formal launch of a strategic Digital Green Growth Partnership in November 2025, which aims to merge Estonian digital governance expertise with Kenya's sustainable development and clean-tech goals.

The ministry believes that such initiatives are a bridge linking ecosystems, capital, talent, and ideas, while deepening the Kenya - Estonia partnership and reinforces Kenya’s position as the first African home of this global innovation movement, further affirming its growing influence as the region’s innovation capital and a gateway to the continent’s digital future.

“We are confident that the next wave of transformative, globally relevant solutions will be built right here in Kenya, supported by global partners, and powered by our shared vision for a connected, prosperous future," said Kabogo on a social media update.

He added: “But our greatest strength remains our people; the bold founders, young creators, and problem-solvers building solutions that matter.”

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