The Kenya Edition of the World CIO 200 Summit 2026, held on 22nd May 2026 at Novotel Nairobi Westlands, concluded successfully as part of the global roadshow series and marked the 7th edition of the World CIO 200 Summit journey. Coming immediately after the Ghana Edition, this gathering continued to strengthen the growing global CIO community focused on collaboration, innovation, and digital leadership across regions.
The summit brought together senior technology leaders, CIOs, and industry experts from across Kenya’s public and private sectors to discuss emerging themes including AI transformation, cybersecurity resilience, sovereign infrastructure, digital ecosystems, and the future of enterprise IT leadership.
The event commenced with a Welcome Note by Ronak Samantaray, CEO & Co-Founder, Global Enterprise Connect, followed by the Opening Note delivered by Bitashna Pisavadia, Vice President, Global CIO Forum Kenya, who emphasized the importance of collective intelligence and regional collaboration in driving meaningful digital transformation.
The Community segment reinforced the theme that technology becomes exponentially powerful when driven by collaboration and shared intelligence.
The Keynote “The Collaborative CIO – Powering Cross-Industry Tech Alliances” was delivered by Mark Oyier, Director of IT, Safaricom, highlighting the importance of cross-sector partnerships in accelerating innovation.
The Vendor Keynote by Gopan Sivasankaran, Regional Sales Director MEA, Rapid7, titled “The MDR Autopsy: Why Exposure is the New Frontier of Defense”, explored evolving threat landscapes and modern exposure management strategies. This was followed by an industry insight by Jayakumar Mohanachandran, Co-Founder and CEO, F9 Infotech, offering perspectives on enterprise innovation, digital resilience, and the evolving technology ecosystem.
The Power Panel “From Competition to Co-Creation: Why CIO Communities Win Faster” brought together thought leaders including Valentine Wambui (Moderator), Senior Manager – Partnerships & New Ventures, KCB Bank Group, along with panelists Dennis Katusya, Group Technology Delivery Manager, Mitchell Cotts Group; Wanja Muriithi, Country General Manager, iColo (A Digital Realty Company); and Gilbert Kiplangat Mutai, CIO, Car and General PLC, discussing ecosystem-driven innovation and collaborative growth.
The Knowledge segment featured a keynote by Timothy Laku, AI Transformation Partner from timothylaku.com, on AI, Data Sovereignty & The Next Knowledge Economy, focusing on responsible AI adoption, enterprise analytics maturity, and sovereign data strategies.
The Health track featured a Fireside Chat titled “Sustainable Leadership in a 24/7 Digital World”, moderated by Deborah Mutungi, Group IT Manager, Sarova Hotels & Program Chair – Events & Engagement, Global CIO Forum Kenya, with insights from Dr. Charity Wayua, Director, IBM Research Africa Labs, focusing on leadership resilience, cyber crisis management, and operational sustainability in always-on digital environments.
The Human segment included a keynote by Geoffrey Gitagia, Group Information Technology Manager, Avenue Healthcare, on human-centric digital transformation and the importance of aligning technology with people, culture, and organizational purpose.
A key highlight of the summit was the CIO 200 Recognition & Felicitation Ceremony, honoring outstanding CIOs and technology leaders across Kenya for their contributions to innovation, leadership, and digital transformation.
Award Winners – Kenya Edition 2026
Next-Gen Category (5–10 years of experience):
- Harvey Sijenyi – Manager Infra & Security, Eclectics International Payments, Eclectics International
- Ambrose Joel – IT Manager, F&S Scientific Kenya
- Habakuk Omurwa – ICT Infrastructure Specialist / Network Security Engineer, Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital
Leader Category (10–15 years of experience):
- Tyson Pella – IT Manager, Sabis International School Runda
- Fridah Ondara – Account Manager, Incentro Africa
- Caleb Nyoiro – Co-Executive Director, Zone01 Kisumu
- Kennedy Korir – Head of IT, MHASIBU REGULATED DT SACCO SOCIETY LIMITED
Master Category (15–20 years of experience):
- Jaspreet Singh – Head of Innovation & Digital Transformation, PrideInn Hotels, Resorts and Camps
- Maurine Awuor Onyango – Director ICT (E-Government) Services, County Government of Kisumu
- Nilton Mutungi – Director, ICT & E-Services, Women Enterprise Fund
- Deborah Mutungi Ngina – Group IT Manager, Sarova Hotels and Resorts
- Newton Andebe – ICT Manager, Pwani University
- Dennis Katusya – Group Head – Technology Service Delivery, Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya
- Erick Kathurima – ICT Manager, Law Society of Kenya Sacco
- Samuel Mbai – Chief ICT Officer, University of Nairobi
- James M N Ngugi – Head of ICT, Oriental Bank
- Gilbert Mutai – CIO, Car and General PLC
- Kennedy Yegon – Deputy Director ICT, Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation
Legend Category (20+ years of experience):
- Kenneth Riany – Head of ICT, Kenya Medical Training College
- Payal Doshi – ICT Manager, M. P. Shah Hospital
- Maisiba Henry Abea – Manager ICT, Mwalimu National DT SACCO Ltd
- James Mungai – Head ICT & Innovations, TAI DT SACCO
- Benard Kinyua Kariuki – Director ICT, County Government of Nyandarua
- Robert Mogoi – Chairman, Sacco IT Professionals Association (SITPA)
- Swapnil Katawale – IT Manager, Multiple ICD Kenya Ltd
- Bitashna Pisavadia – IT Head – Projects, M OB
- Bernard Rono – Head of ICT, Kenya Tea Packers Limited (KETEPA)
- Georgina Mukami Odhiambo – Head IT Retail Banking, NCBA Group
The summit concluded with closing remarks by Bernard Rono, President, Global CIO Forum Kenya, followed by group photographs and media interactions, marking the successful completion of another impactful edition.
Sponsors & Partners
The success of the Kenya Edition was made possible through the support of:
Registration Partner:
F9 Infotech
Gold Partners:
Rapid7
ManageEngine
Supporting Partner:
Expand Logix
Their continued partnership played a key role in enabling meaningful dialogue and strengthening the global CIO ecosystem.
Acknowledgement to Country Heads
Special appreciation is extended to the Country Heads whose leadership and commitment ensured the seamless execution of the summit:
Maurine Awuor Onyango, Georgina Mukami Odhiambo, Samuel Loki Mbai, Deborah Mutungi, Bitashna Pisavadia, and Bernard Rono.
Their dedication, coordination, and strategic guidance continue to be instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the World CIO 200 Summit across regions.
The Kenya Edition reaffirmed the summit’s position as a global platform for CIO leadership, collaboration, and transformation. As part of the ongoing roadshow series, it continues to build momentum across Africa and beyond, strengthening the shared vision of connected and future-ready enterprises.
