Philip Thigo named Kenya’s special envoy for technology

Philip Thigo, the Executive Director for Africa at Thunderbird School of Global Management, has been appointed as the Special Envoy on Technology by the President of Kenya, William Ruto. This appointment is part of several others made by President Ruto, including the appointment of 16 women as ambassadors in various countries.

Thigo brings over 20 years of experience in technology, public policy, governance, and development to his new role. His appointment aims to bolster Kenya’s competitiveness in emerging technology adoption and advance its digital transformation. Kenya is recognized as one of the pioneering countries in tech adoption in Africa.

Thigo’s role at Thunderbird School of Global Management involves leading global leadership initiatives in Africa, focusing on shaping the continent’s leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). He also serves as an Advisor on Data and Open Government at the Office of the President of Kenya and is a member of the UN Secretary-General Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. Thigo is renowned globally for his expertise in digital government, women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, open government partnership, digital environmental sustainability, blockchain, and food systems innovation.