Nairobi County is gearing up for the third edition of Innovate Nairobi Tech Week, set to take place from August 20th to 22nd, 2025.
The highly anticipated event will bring together tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of technology in Nairobi and beyond.
This year’s theme, “Smart Cities, Smart Solutions: Innovation, Inclusion, and Sustainability,” reflects Nairobi’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive sustainable urban growth, enhance service delivery, and create economic opportunities.
While announcing the event, the County Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Startups, Sande Oyolo, emphasized the role of Innovate Nairobi Tech Week in shaping Nairobi’s digital future.
“This year’s event is not just about showcasing technology. It is about fostering policies that drive Nairobi’s digital economy and empower startups. We are building an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem, in line with H.E Governor Johnson Sakaja’s vision of transforming Nairobi into Africa’s innovation capital,” he said.
County Director for Digital Economy and Startups, Elizabeth Ndung’u, highlighted that Innovate Nairobi Tech Week extends beyond the three-day event, with long-term engagement and initiatives that continue to benefit stakeholders.
“This is not an open-and-shut event. After the Tech Week, we will have follow-up activities such as continuous stakeholder engagements, mentorship programs for startups, incubation opportunities, and policy review sessions to ensure the discussions translate into tangible impact,” Ms. Ndung’u said.
Gideon Thande, ICT Director, Office of the Governor, underscored the county’s commitment to digital transformation. “Nairobi is leading the way in smart city development. Through events like Innovate Nairobi Tech Week, we provide a platform where technology meets policy, ensuring that innovation is not just theoretical but actively shaping governance and service delivery.”
Co-founder and Manager, Uzuzi Hub, James Okoth, shared that the Tech Week is where ideas meet opportunity and that startups will have a unique chance to connect with investors and industry leaders who can help them scale their solutions.
Additionally, President and COO, Barbah Games, Alvin Joseph highlighted the role of gaming in Nairobi’s digital economy and stated that gaming is more than entertainment. It is an industry with vast economic potential.” Innovate Nairobi provides an avenue to showcase gaming as a viable career path and investment opportunity.”
This year’s Innovate Nairobi Tech Week will feature multiple tracks focusing on emerging and transformative technologies, including; Agri-Tech, FinTech, Mobi-Tech, Health-Tech, Edu-Tech, Robotics & AI, Hackathons & Startup Competitions among other tracks.
Key objectives of the event include:
- Enhancing digital economy policies to support startups and innovators.
- Promoting the gaming culture and its role in digital transformation.
- Creating employment opportunities within the tech sector.
- Enhancing digital governance for smarter service delivery.
- Improve access to information and civic engagement
- Providing a platform for investors and industry players to collaborate and exchange ideas.
By Margaret Kalekye
