NAIROBI, Kenya- Keya’s technological prowess is once again in the spotlight as Philip Thigo, the country’s Special Envoy on Technology, earns a prestigious spot among the 25 honourees for Mozilla’s 2nd Annual Rise25 Awards.
This recognition underscores Thigo’s significant contributions to advancing ethical and inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the global stage.
Mozilla’s Rise25 Awards celebrate individuals who are leading the charge in creating a future where AI is responsible, trustworthy, and centered around human dignity.
This year’s honourees, including Thigo, are being recognized for their pioneering efforts in using philanthropy, collective power, and open-source principles to shape the next wave of AI.
The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of August 13 at the Convention Centre in Dublin, Ireland.
Thigo, one of three Kenyans recognized in this year’s cohort, was selected under the Advocates category. This group includes policymakers, activists, and thinkers who ensure that AI is developed ethically, inclusively, and transparently.
Their work is crucial in translating complex AI concepts for the broader public, making AI more accessible and understandable to everyone.
Thigo’s role in advocating for responsible AI aligns perfectly with Mozilla’s mission to create a trustworthy internet.
Kenya’s presence at the Rise25 Awards is strong, with two other notable Kenyans being honored.
Kathleen Siminyu, recognized under the Builders category, is celebrated for her work as an architect of trustworthy AI.
This category includes engineers and data scientists dedicated to developing AI’s open-source infrastructure, ensuring that AI remains secure, accessible, and reliable.
Siminyu’s efforts focus on technical proficiency and responsible AI development, making significant strides in the AI landscape.
Angela Lungati, the third Kenyan honouree, shines in the Change Agents category. This category celebrates those who challenge the status quo, bringing diverse community voices into AI development.
Lungati’s work ensures that AI technology serves and represents everyone, particularly marginalized communities.
Her leadership fosters an AI environment that prioritizes equality and empowerment, amplifying the impact of AI for those historically excluded from the tech narrative.
Mark Surman, President of Mozilla, highlighted the importance of collaboration and open innovation in driving groundbreaking advancements.
“At Mozilla, we believe the most groundbreaking innovations arise when people of all kinds of backgrounds come together to collaborate and openly trade ideas,” Surman said.
This year’s Rise25 Awards build on the success of last year’s event in Berlin, Germany, as Mozilla continues to showcase what a future trustworthy internet could look like.
As Kenya’s tech landscape continues to evolve, the recognition of Thigo, Siminyu, and Lungati at the Rise25 Awards serves as a testament to the country’s growing influence in the global AI community.
Their achievements reflect a broader commitment to fostering innovation that is not only cutting-edge but also ethical and inclusive.
