Editor's Review

The State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy has won a global award in recognition of Kenya’s progress in developing smart cities.

The State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy has won a global award in recognition of Kenya’s progress in developing smart cities.

The department won the Smart Gigacity Excellence Award at the World Broadband Association (WBBA) Broadband Excellence Awards 2026, emerging as the winner in a category that also featured CTM and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

The award recognised Konza City, which is being developed by the Technopolis Development Authority as Africa’s first AI-operated Giga-City.

In a statement on Thursday, October 15, the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy said the award highlighted Konza City’s role in advancing technology-driven urban development.

"The award recognizes Konza City - Africa’s first AI-operated Giga-City, developed by the Technopolis Development Authority - as a global model for gigabit-enabled urban development," the statement read.

Read More

  1. Apple Expands iCloud+ Services in Kenya to Include Apple TV and Arcade
  2. No Data Was Accessed - Gov’t Says After Hacking of Its Websites
  3. ICT Authority Announces 400 Vacancies in Presidential Digital Talent Internship Programme; How to Apply

The award was received on behalf of the Kenyan government by Amb. Valerie Rugene, Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy and Permanent Mission in Vienna.

"It was received by Amb. Valerie Rugene, Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy and Permanent Mission in Vienna, on behalf of the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, CBS, and on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya," the statement added.

File image of ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui

Elsewhere, Nominated MP Harold Kipchumba has won the Distinguished Polio Advocacy Award by the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA).

In a statement on Wednesday October 14, the National Assembly said the award is in recognition of Kipchumba’s commitment to polio eradication and disability rights. 

According to the National Assembly, Kipchumba was honoured for his courage, persistence, ability to build trust and sustained commitment to service, in efforts to protect children from polio and promote inclusion for persons with disabilities.

"Nominated Member of Parliament Hon. Harold Kipchumba has been named the winner of the Distinguished Polio Advocacy Award by the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA).

"The award is in recognition of his commitment to polio eradication and disability rights," the statement read.

Kipchumba will be formally be presented with the award on October 24, 226 during the World Polio Day. 

Speaking after being notified of the award, he said the recognition highlights the importance of community engagement and sustained advocacy in immunization campaigns. 

"Hon. Kipchumba said the award highlights the importance of community engagement and sustained advocacy in immunization campaigns, particularly in areas where public confidence in vaccination remains a challenge,” the statement added.