Kenya Makes History with Africa’s First Global Data Festival

Kenya made history as it hosted Africa’s first Global Data Festival, alongside the third Kenya Space Expo in Nairobi. Over four days, more than 1,000 participants from 60 countries explored how data, space tech, and AI can drive sustainable development.

“Statistics are a mirror of society,” said Dr. Macdonald Obudho of KNBS. He cited Kenya’s first Time Use Survey, revealing women spend four hours daily on unpaid care work versus one hour for men—evidence that shaped the Kenya National Care Policy 2024.

Kenya Space Agency’s Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey added, “Satellites help us understand Earth.” He noted how satellite data now supports food security, disaster reduction, and environmental management through partnerships like that with the Italian Space Agency.

With only four years left until the 2030 SDG deadline, Special Envoy Philip Thigo called for stronger collaboration across sectors, balancing data sharing for public good with privacy protection. GPSDD CEO Jenna Slotin emphasized returns of $32 for every dollar invested in data systems.

Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo showcased how counties use GIS and satellite imagery to guide health facility construction based on population needs, not politics. The event marked the first time the Global Data Festival—previously held in the UK and Uruguay—took place on African soil, integrated with a space science conference.