Kenya is emerging as a leader in responsible artificial intelligence (AI) development. This vision emphasizes a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to harnessing technological potential while addressing potential risks. Its strategic initiatives demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to ethical AI governance that prioritises inclusivity, safety, and equitable technological advancement.
The Kenya AI Statement of Principles Workshop in Nairobi, held on 29 January 2025, ” AI in Africa”, emphasised the importance of supporting Kenya’s AI strategy, statement of principles, and data handling policy. The opening session of the event was graced by various leaders, who highlighted key aspects around AI development in Kenya.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Ed Barnett, noted that AI is no longer an emerging technology but a present reality that requires collaborative, responsible governance across international boundaries.
“AI presents similar challenges to governments and societies around the world, and by working together, we can also maximize the opportunities that it can bring,” said Ed.
Further, he pointed out that all stakeholders had “a collective responsibility to ensure that the benefits of AI are felt by all and that its risks are properly managed.”
He also underscored the UK-Kenya AI partnership, launched six months ago, that supports Kenya’s AI strategy implementation and encourages diverse global voices in AI discourse and addressing socio-economic challenges.
France Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, H. E. Arnaud Suquet highlighted Kenya’s role as a leading tech hub in Africa, emphasizing its “dynamic startup ecosystem, strong private investment, young talent, and favourable business environment.”
He further emphasized the need for AI to “have the most beneficial impacts and help address many of our complex problems,” while safeguarding common interests.
He noted that the upcoming AI Summit in Paris in February 2025 would provide a platform for advancing these discussions and shaping a global framework for responsible AI governance. The summit focuses on key areas such as AI’s public interest, the future of work, innovation, trust, and global governance.
Lastly, he stated that, “We want AI to have the most beneficial impacts and help address many of our complex problems, like finding new therapies or solving climate-related issues while safeguarding common interests.”
In his remarks, Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration stated that, “Our (Kenya) vision is not only consuming technology, but to actively shape and lead in its development.”
The PS underscored Kenya’s ambition to be a proactive leader in ethical AI development, transforming technological challenges into opportunities for national and continental progress. In that regard, Kenya was prioritising safety, security, inclusivity and sustainability.
William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy, emphasised Kenya’s commitment to ethical AI development, stating that, “Our AI strategy aims to balance innovation with societal protection, addressing misinformation, and ensuring AI aligns with global ethics.”
He further called for African nations to shift from passive consumers to creators in AI, leveraging AI to address unique challenges and drive sustainable development.
KICTANet has been instrumental in the development of Kenya’s AI Statement of Principles, which provides a set of five core values and eight principles to ensure a safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy AI development to support Kenya’s digital future. The principles prioritize ethical considerations, human-centred design, equity, transparency, inclusivity, robust governance, security, collaboration, and cultural relevance..
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