The government has challenged African broadcasters and media stakeholders to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud technology, and digital innovation to position the continent competitively in the rapidly evolving global broadcasting landscape.
Speaking during the opening of the Broadcasters Convention—East Africa 2026 in Nairobi, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary (PS) Stephen Isaboke observed that Africa’s media industry had already entered a new digital era driven by data, AI, and cloud-enabled technologies.
Isaboke noted that the transition from traditional broadcasting to digital-first media ecosystems was fundamentally changing how content is created, distributed, and consumed.
“When we talk about AI and digital transformation, it is no longer about what is coming in the future. The transformation is already here with us,” Isaboke stressed.
The PS explained that conventional broadcasting models centered on transmission infrastructure are steadily giving way to cloud-enabled and platform-driven systems that support greater efficiency, scalability, and audience engagement.
He recalled Kenya’s migration from analogue to digital broadcasting in 2015, describing the move as one of the country’s most significant technological milestones despite legal and operational challenges experienced at the time.
According to Isaboke, Kenya’s early adoption of digital broadcasting positioned the country among Africa’s leading digital economies and laid the foundation for rapid internet expansion and innovation.
The PS emphasized that the government continues to prioritize digital transformation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), where the Digital Superhighway and creative economy form key pillars of national development.
He disclosed that the government was accelerating the roll-out of digital infrastructure through the expansion of fiber optic connectivity, the establishment of digital hubs, and the installation of public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.
Isaboke said the state planned to roll out about 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable nationwide, including underserved rural areas, to strengthen connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
He further revealed that digital hubs equipped with computers and internet access were being established in wards across the country to equip young people with digital skills and support innovation.
In addition, the government is setting up 5,000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots in markets, schools, hospitals, and other public spaces to enhance internet accessibility.
“These investments are intended to strengthen connectivity, support innovation ecosystems and create an enabling environment for the creative and media industries to thrive within the digital economy,” he explained.
The PS observed that Kenya’s mobile connectivity had expanded significantly, driven by increased smartphone penetration, 5G rollout and rising data consumption.
He noted that changing media consumption habits, especially among young people, were compelling broadcasters to rethink traditional business models and adopt mobile-first and digital content strategies.
“The younger generation consumes content differently. Their lives revolve around mobile technology and digital platforms, and broadcasters must adapt to this reality,” he added.
Isaboke said emerging technologies were transforming the media value chain through automated production, real-time translation, audience analytics and personalized content delivery.
He cited advancements in AI-powered translation technologies that now enable audiences to consume foreign productions seamlessly in local languages.
However, the PS cautioned African countries against overreliance on imported technologies and foreign data systems, stressing the need for locally developed AI solutions that reflect African realities, languages, and cultures.
“We must intentionally build systems that understand African contexts and amplify indigenous narratives. Technology should preserve our cultural heritage rather than undermine it,” he stated.
He disclosed that the government was currently developing AI governance and policy frameworks to prepare the country for opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence.
“As a government, we are actively advancing national AI governance frameworks to ensure Kenya is prepared for the shifting global digital landscape,” he stated.
The PS also underscored the urgent need for broadcasters and journalists to acquire new digital competencies to remain competitive in the evolving media environment.
He said future media professionals would require skills in journalism, technology, data science, and digital production to effectively operate in increasingly AI-driven newsrooms.
“This transformation calls for continuous digital skills development if African broadcasters are to remain competitive,” he noted.
At the regional level, Isaboke called for stronger collaboration among broadcasters, policymakers, and technology firms through cross-border partnerships, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and shared digital infrastructure.
He said regional cooperation would help East Africa position itself as a globally competitive broadcasting and digital innovation hub.
The PS described Africa’s youthful population as one of the continent’s greatest advantages in the digital era, noting that millions of young Africans were already digital natives capable of driving innovation and content creation.
“Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world, and this presents a huge opportunity for us to lead in storytelling, innovation, and digital content creation,” he observed.
He urged African broadcasters to leverage technology to tell authentic African stories and showcase the continent’s creativity, innovation, and cultural identity to global audiences.
The Broadcasters Convention East Africa 2026 is expected to explore emerging trends in AI, cloud broadcasting, digital content distribution, cybersecurity, OTT platforms, and the future of media regulation in Africa.
By Nicholas Ochieng and Mike Njaria
