Kenya’s Digital Dream Gains Momentum as Decode 4.0 Summit Opens in Nairobi
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, March 31, 2026 — Kenya’s ambition to cement its place as a regional technology powerhouse took a major step forward Tuesday as the Safaricom Engineering Summit, Decode 4.0, officially kicked off in Nairobi.
The three-day forum, organized by Safaricom PLC in partnership with Microsoft, Google, Dell Technologies, and Huawei, has drawn developers, innovators, and global tech leaders eager to shape Kenya’s next phase of digital growth.
Held under the theme “Made for Kenya,” the summit highlights the country’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation, driven by mobile-first solutions and inclusive digital systems. It also provides a platform for industry players to exchange ideas, build networks, and collaborate on scalable solutions.
More than 100,000 participants are expected to take part both physically and virtually, reflecting the rapid expansion of Kenya’s tech ecosystem and rising demand for practical digital skills.
Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said the summit is designed to harness the creativity and resilience of Kenyans.
“The Kenyan people are known for their ingenuity and grit, constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting. Decode gives that energy a place to come alive,” he said. “By bringing developers, creators, and problem-solvers together, we are building solutions that can scale across Africa and beyond.”
The summit places strong emphasis on hands-on learning, with builder labs, code labs, and mentorship programmes forming a key part of the experience. Participants are engaging with tools and platforms that allow them to design and test solutions to real-world challenges.
Safaricom Chief Technology Officer James Maitai noted that the event, now in its fourth year, continues to grow in reach and impact.
“We created Decode to bring together young developers, students, and industry players to connect, share knowledge, and imagine Kenya’s digital future together,” he said. “This year, we have expanded beyond Nairobi through regional Decode Cafés to reach more people at the grassroots.”
Artificial Intelligence, fintech, and creative technology have emerged as key focus areas, with experts exploring how intelligent systems can transform services, improve customer experience, and drive economic growth.
Maitai said AI is already shaping everyday digital interactions and will play a central role in future innovation.
“We are just scratching the surface. Artificial intelligence is becoming native in everything we do, from personalized services to resilient systems that can adapt and self-correct,” he said.
Beyond the summit, Safaricom plans to sustain momentum through year-round initiatives, including regional tech engagements, mentorship programmes, and training sessions for developers and educators. Participants will also earn certificates and digital badges to validate their skills as they advance in the digital talent pipeline.
As Kenya accelerates its digital transformation journey, Decode 4.0 stands out as a key platform driving innovation, building talent, and strengthening partnerships aimed at shaping the country’s tech-driven future.
