In a remarkable achievement that underscores Kenya’s growing influence in the global tech landscape, Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology in the office of the president, was awarded the prestigious Mozilla Rise25 under the Advocacy Category on the 13th day of August, 2024.

This accolade celebrates global individuals who are currently steering and supporting the next wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by leveraging on philanthropic power and calling for collective political power, in the hope to ensure the future of AI is responsible, trustworthy, inclusive, and centred around human dignity.

In a heartfelt post shared after the event in Dublin, Amb. Thigo expressed his gratitude to Mozilla for the incredible honor, noting that the awards shine a light on the often-thankless work of public sector champions who tirelessly strive to make policies more responsive, with real implications for people’s lives.

“I want to congratulate my fellow honorees: I am truly humbled to be counted among this tribe dedicated to keeping A.I safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy for everyone. This recognition is dedicated to my family, team and partners—it really does take a village,” the ambassador asserted.

Amb. Thigo also warned against the misuse and disuse of AI in our contemporary society, noting that he would continue advocating for equitable access to internet in Kenya and fostering an innovative culture. “Despite its risks, AI can be a force for good – help tackle some of our greatest challenges—such as food security, climate action, and better health outcomes,” he noted.

Ambassador Thigo is one of three Kenyans who have made it to the top cohort in different categories, further cementing Kenya’s reputation as the Silicon Savannah of Africa. His selection under the Advocates category highlights his role as a policymaker, activist, and thinker dedicated to ensuring that AI is developed ethically, inclusively, and transparently.

Appointed as Kenya’s inaugural Special Envoy on Technology, Thigo has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s digital innovation. Currently, Kenya aims to embed technology deep within its developmental fabric. This forward-looking strategy seeks to harness the transformative power of digital innovation to fuel economic growth, ignite innovation and create the much-needed youth jobs.

The Mozilla Rise25 award is a significant recognition of Thigo’s efforts and the broader impact of Kenya’s tech ecosystem. His inclusion in this prestigious cohort underscores his influence and the importance of his work in promoting responsible AI development. Thigo’s award is not just a personal achievement – it reflects Kenya’s success in the world of tech.