By Dr. George Musumba
As AI technology continues to rapidly transform sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, it becomes imperative for nations to build ethical frameworks that guide its development. In Kenya, the growing demand for AI adoption has highlighted the need for a national code of practice that aligns innovation with responsible use. To this end, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), through Technical Committee 94 (TC94), has been working diligently to develop the DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI. This Code aims to foster responsible, equitable, and sustainable AI solutions that will shape Kenya’s AI ecosystem for years to come.
The DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI serves as a comprehensive guide to ensuring that AI technologies developed and implemented in Kenya are globally competitive but also locally relevant. This Code aims to promote fairness, transparency, accountability, and data privacy, which are critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring the ethical deployment of AI in the country.
KICTANet, as part of the Kenya AI Ecosystem Strengthening initiative, supported the validation workshop for the DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI. The workshop, funded by the UK Foreign Office’s Digital Access Programme (DAP), took place from 10th to 13th January 2025 at the Golden Tulip Westlands, Nairobi. It brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and civil society to review, refine, and endorse this national standard for AI governance.
Purpose and Intent of the Workshop
The primary purpose of the workshop was to address stakeholder comments received during the public participation phase of the DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI. The workshop aimed to finalize the draft by further gathering input from diverse stakeholders, including international partners, to ensure that the standard was comprehensive and aligned with both global AI principles and Kenya’s unique socio-economic realities.
The DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI aligns with government policies aimed at enhancing efficiency and inclusivity through digitization, making it an essential tool in Kenya’s digital transformation journey. The workshop sought to gather a broad range of insights and feedback to create a robust, globally competitive, and locally relevant standard.
Key Highlights from the Validation Workshop
- Collaborative Efforts: The validation workshop brought together key players from government agencies, tech experts, academic institutions, and civil society. The collaborative efforts of these stakeholders ensured that the final version of the DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI would reflect the diverse needs and interests of all sectors involved. It underscored the importance of cooperation across sectors for developing comprehensive and practical AI standards.
- Global and Local Alignment: The draft standard was aligned with global frameworks such as the OECD AI Principles and UNESCO’s AI Ethics Guidelines. This alignment ensures that Kenya’s AI policies and practices not only meet international standards but are also adapted to Kenya’s socio-economic context. This contextualization is crucial to ensuring that AI applications benefit all sectors of society while addressing local needs.
- Inclusivity and Equity: A significant focus of the workshop was ensuring that Kenya’s AI development is inclusive. The discussions emphasized that AI should not perpetuate existing inequalities. Instead, AI should work to close the digital divide by ensuring that all sectors of society, particularly marginalized groups, benefit from AI’s transformative potential. The Code of Practice stresses the importance of inclusivity and equity in AI development.
- AI for Sustainable Development: One of the central themes that emerged during the workshop was the need for AI to contribute to sustainable development, especially in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education. Participants highlighted AI’s potential to solve pressing challenges such as food security, healthcare access, and improving educational outcomes, while ensuring that AI is deployed in a way that benefits all citizens.
Moving Forward: Key Recommendations and Next Steps
The DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI represents a significant step towards formalizing Kenya’s approach to AI governance. However, successful implementation requires ongoing collaboration, capacity building, and policy alignment. The workshop made several key recommendations to ensure the effective rollout and adoption of the Code:
- Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement: Continued engagement with industry players, government bodies, and academia is crucial to ensure that the Code of Practice is applied effectively across various sectors. Stakeholder input is essential for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of the Code.
- Investment in AI Education and Capacity Building: To build a skilled AI workforce capable of driving Kenya’s digital transformation, targeted education and training programs are needed. These programs should focus on both the technical aspects of AI and the ethical considerations surrounding its deployment.
- Ongoing Review and Updates: As AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, the DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI should be regularly reviewed and updated. This will ensure that the standard remains relevant and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities in AI development.
- Implementation Support: KEBS will ensure the gazettement of the KS 3007:2025 in March-April 2025. The organization will also offer technical expertise to help relevant sectors implement the standard effectively.
- Future Workshops and Engagements: KEBS plans to organize additional workshops and engagements to address new developments and updates in AI technologies. These workshops will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that AI standards remain current and effective.
In conclusion, the DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI is an essential milestone in Kenya’s journey towards establishing a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem. By adopting this Code, Kenya will align its AI development with global standards, ensuring that AI technologies benefit its diverse population. The successful implementation of this standard requires continued collaboration and engagement across all sectors.
KICTANet remains committed to supporting Kenya’s AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration, promoting capacity building, and advocating for policies that encourage ethical AI development. Through collaborative efforts, Kenya can leverage AI to address its pressing challenges and unlock new opportunities for its people.
As the DKS 3007 Code of Practice for AI progresses towards implementation, KICTANet will continue to provide updates on Kenya’s AI ecosystem and the next steps in the development of AI standards. With the collective effort of all stakeholders, Kenya is poised to lead the way in ethical and responsible AI development across Africa.
Dr. George Musumba, AI Consultant, KICTANET
