Dear Listers, During the week, KICTANet was at the forefront of digital policy and empowerment initiatives across Kenya and the East African region. We completed an in-person training in Mombasa <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/voices-rights-and-safety-strengthening-cyber-hygiene-for-the-vulnerable-groups/> aimed at equipping vulnerable communities—particularly women, human rights defenders, and journalists—with essential digital safety, data protection, and cyber hygiene skills. This effort, supported by GIZ, underscores KICTANet’s commitment to digital inclusion and advocacy. The Connected Africa Summit 2025, held in Diani, Kenya, marked a milestone with the launch of the National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-launches-digital-literacy-curriculum-at-connected-africa-summit/> This curriculum seeks to standardize digital skills training across Kenya, empowering citizens to participate in the digital economy. We actively participated in and hosted key sessions, including* "Telecommunications & Connectivity: Driving Last-Mile Access"* and* "FinTech Track - Beyond Payments: The Next Frontier of FinTech in Africa."* Our engagement reflects our commitment to advancing telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity, which are critical enablers of economic growth and social development in Africa. We also addressed pressing challenges, such as bridging digital divides for marginalized groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities. Through multi-stakeholder platforms like KICTANet, we advocate for ICT policies and regulations that promote equitable access and protect digital rights. Earlier in the week, civil society organizations, filed a public interest petition challenging recent government interference with internet access <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/digital-freedoms-on-trial-civil-society-groups-challenge-internet-interference/>, signalling a key moment for digital rights and freedoms in Kenya. Additionally, KICTANet held its inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025 <https://youtu.be/jHry6aPqExY?si=S7wR_L2jjd_wB1sG>, hosting discussions on digital rights, resilience, and the future of internet freedom. The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF), held during the summit, featured debates on responsible AI, emerging technologies, and the importance of aligning innovation with ethics and equity. Regionally, KICTANet co-hosted the East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF), emphasising the need for digital unity and collaboration among East African nations. At the ongoing Africa Internet Governance Forum, KICTANet is represented to advance the outcomes that were realised in Kenya and EAIGF. Finally, in the spirit of multistakeholderism, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has published eight (8) Draft Guidance Notes aimed at supporting sector-specific compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019. We encourage you to review the drafts and share your comments or recommendations by the latest 28th May, 2025. Submit your comments via this form: https://forms.gle/sxVPvtWtR5L9H3d69 In summary, the week was marked by active advocacy, impactful training, and regional leadership in digital policy, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive, ethical, and empowered digital society. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________