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Add to Preferred SourcesKenya is investing in the GovStack initiative to strengthen its digital independence and reduce reliance on global tech corporations, according to a press release by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). With support provided on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the country is building sovereign public digital infrastructure. Digital sovereignty means that a country decides for itself how it uses, stores and protects its data. As artificial intelligence, cloud services and digital platforms continue to gain influence, this independence is becoming more important than ever. Kenya is demonstrating that controlling one’s own digital infrastructure enables better responses to crises, innovation and the protection of citizens’ rights.
In a world where the power of data and digital infrastructure is growing rapidly, more countries are seeking to free themselves from dependence on a handful of global tech giants. GovStack works like a toolbox made up of digital Lego blocks, where each building block represents basic functions of digital services. Examples include a digital wallet for identity documents, digital payment systems and registers. The individual building blocks can be adjusted, combined and reused for public services across various sectors. GovStack also collaborates with German and European open-source providers.
At the Digital Transformation Center in Nairobi, jointly funded by the European Union, Germany and Estonia, GIZ is working with the Kenyan Government to develop a national roadmap for digital building blocks. These systems are designed to work together seamlessly, allowing data to be processed securely and efficiently within the country. Mary Kerema, Kenyan Parliamentary Secretary for ICT, e-Government and Digital Economy, received the Order of the Grand Warrior for her outstanding achievements.
She stated: “Data is power, but only good governance enables it to be used wisely. The strength of a digital nation lies not in its algorithms, but in the responsibility it assumes.”
Kenya is currently developing two GovStack-based applications to remain technologically open. The first is an AI-powered chatbot on the eCitizen platform that answers citizens’ questions quickly. The second is a pan-African carbon registry that transparently records emissions and climate action projects. Pia Seiffarth, who heads GIZ’s cooperation with countries on GovStack, said:
“Open standards and interoperable systems give our partners the freedom to procure, develop and sustainably operate their own solutions.”
At the opening workshop in 2025, the foundations for Kenya’s national DPI roadmap were laid through dialogue among government, civil society and the private sector.
Skilled workers are driving this change through hackathons, learning networks and mentoring programs such as the “Women in GovTech Challenge,” which has gathered over 250 participants from 80 countries. This initiative has produced 40 prototypes for digital citizen services that can be reused as blueprints for other services. It has also fostered a strong network for exchange and collaboration, with Kenyan skilled workers at the forefront. Through open, flexible solutions, local expertise and international partnerships, Kenya is showing how states can take control of their own digital future. GIZ supports this approach.