May 13 – 15, 2026

Third Kenya National
Community Networks Summit

Innovating for Grassroots Digital Access and Community Connectivity

777 Recreactional Centre, Machakos County • Hosted by Internet Society Kenya Chapter

300+ Delegates

777 Recreactional Centre, Machakos County

Building Kenya’s Digital Future from the Ground Up

Following the resounding success of the 2024 Akala Summit and the 2025 Mathare Summit, the Third Kenya National Community Networks Summit returns bigger and bolder in Machakos County.

Under the theme “Innovating for Grassroots Digital Access and Community Connectivity”, we will celebrate community-driven solutions that are transforming lives across Kenya.

Objectives

• Raise national awareness through proven best practices
• Foster cross-sector collaboration to scale connectivity
• Advocate for enabling policies and regulatory support

24+

Community Networks Represented

45+

Counties Reached

300+

Expected Participants

Our Journey

Past Summits That Shaped the Movement

From humble beginnings to growing national impact — relive the milestones that continue to drive Kenya’s community networks forward.

2024

1st Kenya National
Community Networks Summit

Akala, Siaya County

The inaugural summit successfully launched the national conversation on community-owned networks. Over 150 participants from 8 counties gathered to share early success stories, challenges, and visions for the future.

View 2024 Summit Report

2025

2nd Kenya National
Community Networks Summit

Mathare, Nairobi

Focused on “Building Sustainable Models for Community Networks”. Over 250 delegates, policymakers, regulators, and development partners attended. This summit marked the official formation of the Association of Community Networks in Kenya.

View 2025 Summit Report

Why You Should Participate

Join the movement and walk away with real skills, connections, and opportunities

🔧

Practical Skills

Learn hands-on how to deploy, manage and sustain community networks from operators who are doing it today.

🤝

Powerful Networks

Meet regulators, funders, ISPs, and fellow operators who can help scale your project.

📜

Policy Influence

Direct engagement with decision-makers shaping Kenya’s universal access policies.

🚀

Visibility & Funding

Showcase your network to potential funders and partners from ISOC Foundation, ICANN, and more.

The Summit Agenda

13 MAY

Day 1 (Invite Only)

Pre-Summit Event

• Registration of Community Networks
• Presentations and Topical workshop
• AI & Digital Safety Workshop
• Emerging Technologies

14 MAY

Day 2

Technical Deep Dives & Best Practices

• Registration and Opening Ceremony
• Panell Discussions/ Presentations: Building Resilient networks, AI & Emerging Technologies, Value-Addition (Climate Adaptation)
• Case studies from Gonline Africa, Global Innovation Valley, Kijiji Yeetu, Namelok Community Network
• High-level panel with CA Kenya, ICANN & KeNOG
• Regulatory sandboxes and universal service funding
• Sustainability & Business revenue modelling workshop
• Panel Discussions/Presentations: Funding, Institutional Strenthening & Governance, Capacity Building

15 MAY

Day 3

Policy, Collaboration, Innovation & Closing Ceremony

• Registration
• Speed networking & partnership marketplace
• Awards & recognition of Community Networks
• Machakos Event Declaration & Closing

Confirmed & Invited Speakers

Meet the thought leaders shaping the future of the internet in Africa

Eng. Alphonce Odhiambo

Convener & Summit Chair

President, Internet Society Kenya Chapter

Seasoned technology leader and advocate for digital inclusion. Passionate about advancing internet governance, policy, and infrastructure development across Kenya and Africa.

Hawi Rapudo

Secretary General

Internet Society Kenya Chapter

Distinguished policy/ Governance expert and academic with deep expertise in internet governance, digital rights, and multi-stakeholder processes.

Edna Karijo

Vice President

Internet Society Kenya Chapter

Edna is an Author, Award winning Technologist and Digital Transformation leader, who champions digital inclusion programs and equitable access to technology and digital skills for young people in Kenya and Africa.

Lawrence Muchilwa

Cybersecurity Expert

Kenya Cybersecurity and Forensic Associations, Chair Membership & Outreach ISOC Kenya Chapter

Mr. Lawrence Muchilwa is a cybersecurity expert and technology strategist with extensive experience in IT operations, policy, and stakeholder engagement. He leads the Research and Innovation Working Group at the Kenya Cybersecurity and Forensic Associations (KCSFA) and is the founder of BSides Nairobi, a leading community for cybersecurity professionals in Kenya.

Mark Orina

Chair Of Communications Committee

Internet Society Kenya Chapter

Mark is a forward-thinking Cloud Engineer and a passionate advocate for leveraging secure technology to drive economic empowerment and inclusive development across Africa. Mark strongly believes that the transformative potential of technology in Africa must be coupled with equally strong security measures.

Racheal Shitanda

AI , Policy Expert

AI & Policy Expert | Head of Technology & Products, UpraiseCX | Acting Chair, AfICTA

Rachael is the Acting Chairperson of AfICTA and Vice Chair for East Africa. She serves as a Council Member in the Computer Society of Kenya’s Policy Formulation and Engagement Committee and is Head of Products at Mentorlst. Her expertise spans technology, cybersecurity, product leadership, and edtech, with a strong focus on IT governance, risk management, policy development, and cybersecurity advisory.

More distinguished speakers to be announced soon