NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 24 — Kenya has launched preparations to host the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2026, a historic global gathering that will be held in Nairobi from December 14 to 18 and mark the first meeting since the forum was granted permanent status by the UN General Assembly.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei announced that the government has commenced the preparatory process, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to delivering a high-impact event that will bring together global leaders, policymakers, technology experts, civil society representatives, and private sector stakeholders to shape the future of internet governance.

Sing’Oei said he had received a delegation from the IGF Global Secretariat currently in the country to assess facilities and engage with Kenya’s Country Multi-Agency Group responsible for coordinating preparations.

“Led by my fellow Co-Chair of IGF 2026, Jennifer Chung, I received a delegation from the IGF Global Secretariat that is in the country to assess facilities and engage with the Country Multi-Agency Group. I assured the delegation of Kenya’s readiness to ensure a highly impactful IGF,” he said.

The Principal Secretary also acknowledged the role played by Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Philip Thigo, and Broadcasting Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke in advancing preparations for the global event.

The 2026 forum is expected to attract thousands of participants from around the world and position Kenya at the center of international conversations on digital policy, internet governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and emerging technologies.

Established by the United Nations in 2006, the Internet Governance Forum serves as a multistakeholder platform where governments, businesses, technical communities, academia, and civil society engage as equals on public policy issues related to the internet.

While the forum does not produce negotiated agreements, it plays a critical role in informing policy decisions, promoting best practices, and fostering consensus on managing opportunities and risks in the digital ecosystem.

The Nairobi meeting carries added significance as it will be the first global multistakeholder internet governance gathering following the UN General Assembly’s decision to make the IGF a permanent UN forum under Resolution A/RES/80/173.

The IGF Secretariat said the 2026 process is already underway, encompassing preparations for the 21st annual forum and a broader intersessional work programme aimed at advancing inclusive dialogue on digital governance challenges and opportunities.

Hosting the forum is expected to reinforce Kenya’s growing reputation as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa while providing a platform for the country to showcase its digital transformation agenda and leadership in shaping global technology policy discussions.

The event is also anticipated to strengthen Africa’s voice in international digital governance debates at a time when issues such as artificial intelligence regulation, online safety, digital rights, data governance, and equitable access to technology are becoming increasingly central to global policymaking.