Nairobi became the focal point of global discussions on data and space technology from June 2 to 5, hosting the first-ever Global Data Festival on African soil alongside the third Kenya Space Expo and Conference.
The four-day event, co-organised by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), brought together more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries, including policymakers, researchers, statisticians, space scientists, technology firms, development partners, and private sector innovators.
Held at The Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, the joint gathering underscored the growing role of data and space-based technologies in shaping national development strategies.
Against a backdrop of increasing adoption of data-driven policymaking across Africa, discussions focused on integrating satellite data, geospatial information, and emerging technologies to improve infrastructure planning, strengthen climate resilience, enhance public service delivery, support disaster management, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Special Envoy on Technology Philip Thigo said stronger collaboration between governments, businesses, and development institutions is key to unlocking the economic value of data while safeguarding privacy and security.
He noted that the convergence of the data and space science communities provides an opportunity to advance data interoperability, strengthen policy frameworks, and drive innovation in support of sustainable development outcomes.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Director General Macdonald Obudho said quality data remains central to inclusive economic development and effective policymaking.
He emphasised that statistical systems and space-based information are increasingly interconnected, noting that “in statistics, you require the space information too,” underscoring the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration in modernising national data systems.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/06/09/kenya-concludes-the-global-data-festival-and-space-expo-conference-2026/