Digital sovereignty, not tech dependency
Large tech corporations are usually the ones in control of cloud services, AI applications and digital platforms. Kenya shows that there is another way: using the building blocks we have developed.
In a world where the power of data and digital infrastructure is growing rapidly, more and more countries are seeking to free themselves from dependence on a handful of global tech giants. Digital sovereignty means that a country decides for itself how it uses, stores and protects its data, much as it controls which goods are imported and exported. As artificial intelligence, cloud services and digital platforms continue to gain influence, this independence is becoming more important than ever. Countries like Kenya are showing that those who control their own digital infrastructure are better able to respond to crises, promote innovation and protect the rights of their citizens.
Mary Kerema, Kenyan Parliamentary Secretary for ICT, e-Government and Digital Economy, emphasises: ‘Data is power, but only good governance enables it to be used wisely. The strength of a digital nation lies not in its algorithms, but in the responsibility it assumes.’
How Kenya is strengthening its digital independence
With our support provided on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Kenya is investing in the GovStack initiative. GovStack works like a toolbox made up of digital Lego blocks. Each building block represents the basic functions of digital services, such as a digital wallet for identity documents, digital payment systems or registers. The individual building blocks can be easily adjusted, combined as required and reused for public services across various sectors. To achieve this, GovStack also collaborates with German and European open-source providers.
A clear plan sets out the path: at the Digital Transformation Center in Nairobi, jointly funded by the European Union, Germany and Estonia, we are working with the Kenyan Government to develop a national roadmap for digital building blocks as part of a sovereign public infrastructure. These systems are designed so that they can ‘talk’ to one another – that is, work together seamlessly – and data can be processed securely and efficiently within the country.
Digital services for all
To reduce its dependence on external service providers and remain technologically open, Kenya is currently developing two GovStack-based applications: Firstly, an AI-powered chatbot on the eCitizen platform answers citizens’ questions quickly and easily – like a digital civil servant available around the clock. Secondly, a pan-African carbon registry is being created to transparently record emissions and climate action projects. Pia Seiffarth, who heads GIZ’s cooperation with countries on GovStack, says: ’Open standards and interoperable systems give our partners the freedom to procure, develop and sustainably operate their own solutions.’
People make the difference
Skilled workers are driving this change: hackathons, learning networks and mentoring programmes such as the ‘Women in GovTech Challenge’ – with over 250 participants from 80 countries – bring together talent from the public sector and the tech industry, including from Kenya. This has already resulted in 40 prototypes for digital citizen services that can be reused as a blueprint for other services – and a strong network that promotes exchange and collaboration. Kenyan skilled workers are at the forefront of this.
The example of Kenya proves that digital sovereignty is not an abstract concept, but a practical necessity. Through open, flexible solutions, local expertise and international partnerships, the country is demonstrating how states can take control of their own digital future. GIZ supports this approach.