Philip Thigo, who serves as Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, has been recognized as one of the 25 honorees at Mozilla’s 2nd Annual Rise25 Awards. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who are leading the next wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by leveraging philanthropy, collective power, and open-source principles to ensure AI’s future is responsible, trustworthy, inclusive, and centered on human dignity.
The honorees, including Thigo, will be recognized at a special ceremony on the evening of Tuesday, August 13, at the Convention Centre in Dublin, Ireland. Thigo is one of three Kenyans to be included in the top cohort, which features six Africans in total—two from South Africa and one from Senegal. Thigo was selected in the Advocates category, which honors policymakers, activists, and thinkers who are committed to ensuring AI is developed in an ethical, inclusive, and transparent manner. This category also includes individuals who excel at translating complex AI concepts for the general public, such as journalists, content creators, and cultural commentators.
The second Kenyan honoree, Kathleen Siminyu, is recognized under the Builders category. This group includes engineers and data scientists who are the architects of trustworthy AI, focusing on developing open-source AI language infrastructure. Their work emphasizes technical proficiency and the responsible and ethical construction of AI, ensuring that it remains secure, accessible, and reliable for society’s benefit.
The third Kenyan honoree, Angela Lungati, is recognized under the Change Agents category. This category highlights leaders who are pushing for greater diversity in AI, ensuring that the technology serves and represents everyone, particularly those who have historically been excluded from the tech landscape. These individuals include community leaders, corporate executives, activists, and innovators who seek to amplify the impact of AI for marginalized communities, fostering an environment of equality and empowerment within the AI space.
Mark Surman, President of Mozilla, emphasized the importance of diversity and collaboration in innovation, stating, “At Mozilla, we believe the most groundbreaking innovations arise when people of all kinds of backgrounds come together to collaborate and openly trade ideas. This approach to innovation — grounded in strong pillars of experimentation and community — has defined our work over the past 25 years, fueling global movements around open-source innovation, online privacy, and trustworthy AI.”
This year’s Rise25 Awards build on the success of the previous year’s event, which took place in Berlin, Germany, and brought to life the vision of a future where the internet is more trustworthy and inclusive.
Philip Thigo’s recognition by Mozilla is a significant milestone, not just for him personally but for Kenya and Africa as a whole. It highlights the importance of digital rights, innovation, and inclusion in the modern world. As Kenya continues to cement its place as a leader in the tech space, the contributions of individuals like Thigo will be instrumental in shaping a future where technology serves the greater good.
This honor from Mozilla also serves as an inspiration for other digital advocates and innovators across the continent. It is a reminder that their work is not only necessary but also appreciated on a global scale. As we move forward into an increasingly digital world, the efforts of these pioneers will ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.