Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has announced the postponement of the African Smart Cities Alliance (ASCA) Summit.
In a statement on Sunday, August 11, Nyong’o cited logistical and scheduling challenges as the reason behind the decision to move the dates for the summit, initially scheduled for August 20–21.
“Following extensive internal consultations, and in light of unavoidable logistical and scheduling conflicts at the highest level of the County Government, it has become necessary to reschedule the ASCA Summit initially slated for August 20-21, 2025,” he said.
Nyong'o acknowledged the disruption the move would cause to both local and international partners who had already prepared for the summit.
"This decision was not taken lightly. We recognize the extensive logistical arrangements, and program alignments already made by many of our distinguished partners. Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience this may cause,” he added.
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However, Nyong’o noted that the county is already working with key stakeholders to agree on new dates that would suit all parties involved.
“We are currently engaged in consultations with core planning partners countries to agree on mutually suitable revised dates for the Summit,” he stated.
Nyong'o reassured stakeholders that Kisumu remains committed to hosting the summit, which he described as crucial for the region’s growth.
"We reaffirm that this summit remains a top strategic priority for the County and region. The postponement is solely intended to ensure that we host a convening that fully delivers on its promise — a well-executed, inclusive, and impactful platform for investment, policy innovation, and intercontinental cooperation. We will communicate the final confirmed dates formally in due course,” he concluded.
The ASCA Convention is a newly launched pan-African event aimed at accelerating the development of smart, inclusive, and sustainable urban centers across the continent.
The Kisumu summit was set to be the inaugural ASCA Convention with the second phase planned to take place in South Korea later in the year.
The convention follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kisumu County and the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF).
"Kisumu is not only embracing the future we are helping to define it. Kisumu is laying the foundation to become a model city not just in Kenya, but across the continent.
"This aligns perfectly with Kisumu’s long-standing commitment to equity, environmental responsibility and homegrown innovation," Nyong'o said in May.
