Kenya’s tech envoy Philip Thigo named among global top 100 AI leaders

Kenya has received major global recognition in the field of artificial intelligence governance after Philip Thigo, the country’s Special Envoy on Technology, was named among Apolitical’s Government AI 100: 2026, a prestigious global list recognising public servants shaping how governments adopt and regulate artificial intelligence.

The annual list highlights 100 public sector leaders from around the world who are advancing the responsible use of AI, strengthening public institutions and ensuring emerging technologies deliver public value.

Thigo’s inclusion places Kenya among a select group of countries playing a visible role in global conversations on AI policy and governance.

Thigo has been at the centre of several multilateral processes that are defining the emerging global architecture for artificial intelligence governance.

Kenya played a leading role during the seventh United Nations Environment Assembly, where member states adopted a landmark resolution on the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence.

The resolution marked the first global framework to link AI governance with environmental protection and planetary boundaries.

In the digital governance space, Thigo has been actively involved in the World Summit on the Information Society +20 Review, contributing to discussions on inclusive digital transformation, capacity building and the role of emerging technologies in development.

He has also contributed to the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, including work linked to its core institutions such as the Global Dialogue Mechanism on Artificial Intelligence and the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which were established to support inclusive and evidence-based global cooperation on AI.

On the Government AI 100: 2026 list, Thigo is featured alongside prominent global figures in AI governance and technology diplomacy, including United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill and UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Omar Sultan Al Olama.

The list brings together senior government officials, regulators and policymakers from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East who are leading national AI strategies and modernising public services.

As governments worldwide accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence, Kenya’s presence on this influential global platform signals growing confidence in the country’s leadership, policy direction and ability to contribute meaningfully to the design of global AI institutions and standards.

Thigo’s inclusion reinforces Kenya’s emergence as a trusted voice in global AI governance and underscores the importance of ensuring African perspectives are represented as artificial intelligence reshapes economies, societies and public administration.