Breakfast Meeting To Inaugurate The National Planning Committee For The 2026 Global Data Festival

Today, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has convened a breakfast meeting to inaugurate the National Planning Committee for the 2026 Global Data Festival in Nairobi.

Scheduled for June 2-5, 2026, in Nairobi, the third Global Data Festival hosted for the first time in Africa aims to drive data-driven progress globally, fostering a more equitable and resilient future through innovation and technology.

The festival will bring together participants from around the world to discuss how to unlock the power of data for better decisions and better lives.

During the official inauguration of the National Planning Committee for the 2026 Global Data Festival, the Economic Planning Director General, Dr. Masini Ichwara who delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Principal Secretary, Dr. Bonface Makokha, emphasized that this occasion marks a significant step forward for Kenya in establishing itself as a global leader in data, innovation and human-centered technology.

In addition, DG Ichwara reiterated that this Committee brings together expertise and leadership from across government, the private sector, development partners, research institutions, and civil society.

This event is happening concurrently with the Africa Statistics Day, celebrated yearly on 18th of November and the 2025 National Statistics Conference which runs for two days.

Also present during the meeting were; the KNBS Board Chairperson, Dr. Daniel M’Amanja, the KNBS Director General, Dr. Macdonald Obudho, the Head of International Economics Partnership and Framework Coordination Directorate, Festus Wangwe, the Interim CEO for Global Partnership, Jenna Slotin, the Ag. Director General Kenya Space Agency, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgei among others.