Kenya’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional technology hub took centre stage on Tuesday as Safaricom opened its three-day engineering summit, Decode 4.0, in Nairobi.
The summit, convened in partnership with Microsoft, Google, Dell Technologies and Huawei, brings together developers, innovators and global technology leaders to help shape the country’s next phase of digital growth.
Held under the theme “Made for Kenya,” the event highlights the country’s growing reputation for mobile-first innovation and inclusive digital ecosystems, while creating a platform for collaboration among key players driving that transformation.
More than 100,000 participants are expected to take part both physically and virtually, underscoring the scale and influence of Kenya’s expanding technology ecosystem and the rising demand for accessible digital solutions.
“The Kenyan people are known for their ingenuity, grit and hustle — constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting,” Safaricom Chief Executive Peter Ndegwa said at the opening. “Decode gives that energy a place to come alive. By bringing developers, creators and problem-solvers together, we are creating solutions that can scale across Africa and beyond.”
The summit features hands-on builder labs, code labs and mentorship programmes aimed at equipping participants with practical skills to develop and scale solutions addressing real-world challenges.
Sessions are focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, fintech and creative technology, which are increasingly seen as key drivers of Kenya’s next phase of economic transformation.
Safaricom said it will extend the impact of the summit beyond the three-day event through year-round initiatives, including regional “Decode Cafés,” ongoing code labs and mentorship programmes targeting developers and educators across the country.
Participants will also earn certificates and digital badges as part of efforts to build a stronger digital talent pipeline.
Decode is Safaricom’s flagship technology forum, aimed at accelerating innovation through partnerships and talent development.