February 9, 2026 | Nairobi
Kenya and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, research, and digital innovation following a high-level meeting between senior government officials from the two countries.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, held discussions with Italy’s Minister of University and Research, Hon. Anna Maria Bernini, aimed at accelerating collaboration in key innovation-driven sectors.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Smart Technologies
The meeting centered on practical partnerships in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for public services, smart city development, climate and energy technologies, and agritech innovation.
According to CS Kabogo, the two nations agreed to fast-track joint research programmes, technology transfer initiatives, and skills development projects that will deliver measurable impact to citizens.
“Our focus is to move from dialogue to implementation through joint technical working groups and collaborative projects that will drive innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth,” he said.
Expanding University and Research Collaboration
The discussions also emphasized strengthening collaboration between Kenyan and Italian universities, research institutions, and industry players. The partnership aims to promote:
- Research exchanges
- Academic mobility programmes
- Joint innovation projects
- Institutional capacity building
Italy, known for its strong applied research ecosystem, remains a strategic partner in supporting Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
Supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030
The renewed cooperation aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the country’s Digital Economy Agenda, which seeks to position Kenya as a regional digital and innovation hub.
CS Kabogo noted that enhanced institutional cooperation will help drive sustainable economic growth while expanding opportunities in emerging technologies.
Kenya has increasingly prioritized digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and research-driven development to boost competitiveness both regionally and globally.
High-Level Attendance
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both governments, including:
- Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation
- Amb. Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology
- H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco, Ambassador of Italy to Kenya
- Prof. J. W. Khamasi, Acting Principal of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST)
The engagement underscores growing diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Italy, particularly in innovation and knowledge-based sectors.
As both countries move toward implementation, the partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities in research excellence, technology commercialization, and digital transformati
