Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has declared that Kenya is now leading the charge in Africa’s digital transformation, citing strong gains in internet connectivity, digital innovation, and a shift away from traditional agricultural exports.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during a radio interview, Kinyanjui said Kenya had come a long way from its economic roots in tea and coffee. He said the country is now a digital frontrunner in Africa and urged for increased efforts to expand its influence in the continent’s technology space.
“In the area of industry, it’s good to know that where the country was 20 or 30 years ago, when we were a coffee- and tea-driven economy, that has completely changed,” the Trade CS said.
He added that the country’s transformation into a digital economy was deliberate and is now paying off, especially in terms of infrastructure development and access to the internet.
“When we come to internet penetration, I think Kenya leads in Africa. We have very respected positions even in terms of manpower and so on,” he said.
Kenya’s rise in the tech space has been particularly visible in the areas of mobile payments and innovation hubs. The country is home to M-Pesa, one of the world’s most successful mobile money services, and a vibrant startup ecosystem known as “Silicon Savannah.” These developments have positioned the country as a key player in digital finance and technological innovation on the continent.
Kinyanjui said the government’s support for digital transformation through education, favourable policies, and infrastructure investment has contributed to Kenya’s leadership in the sector. He noted that the shift to a digital economy is creating more opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs, and tech developers.
“The conversations going forward will increasingly be about how we can grow our digital footprint across Africa,” he said.
He also pointed to the Digital Economy Blueprint, a policy document launched in 2019, which outlines Kenya’s ambition to become a digital-first economy. The blueprint focuses on five areas: digital infrastructure, digital services and data management, digital entrepreneurship, digital skills and values, and a supportive legal and policy environment.
This strategy is designed to modernise service delivery, improve access to technology in rural areas, and support the development of a skilled digital workforce. The government has also been working on expanding 4G and 5G infrastructure, improving digital ID systems, and supporting public-private partnerships in technology.
“Kenya’s future is digital. We must keep building on this momentum and ensure that Kenya’s digital footprint grows stronger and wider across Africa,” Kinyanjui said.
While agriculture still remains an important part of Kenya’s economy, the government’s growing investment in digital innovation is part of its wider plan to reduce reliance on traditional exports and instead position the country as a hub for technology and knowledge-based services.
