The Kenya AI and Emerging Technologies Policy is being positioned as one of the most defining frameworks for the country’s digital future. It seeks to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into governance, service delivery, and economic development.
The roundtable discussions held Thursday brought together national and county governments, private sector actors, academia, and international partners to ensure the policy is inclusive, practical, and implementable.
Why the Policy Matters
Speakers emphasized that AI and emerging technologies are already reshaping how governments deliver services, regulate markets, and engage with citizens. From healthcare and agriculture to education and public administration, these technologies present opportunities for efficiency, transparency, and innovation. However, they also introduce governance challenges that require a coherent national framework.
As Ali Hussein, Chairperson of KICTANet, noted, “Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping how governments deliver services, regulate markets, manage infrastructure and engage with citizens… At the same time, they introduce complex governance challenges that require coordinated policy responses and strong institutional readiness.”
“Devolution is a defining feature of Kenya’s governance architecture, and the success of this policy will depend on how effectively it integrates national priorities with county-level realities and service delivery needs.”
“Your experience and expertise in public administration and service delivery are critical to ensuring that the policy is practical, implementable and aligned with the needs of citizens across our counties.”
International Support and Collaboration
The UK Government, through the British High Commission, has been a key partner in supporting Kenya’s AI and emerging technologies policy development. Mr. Wilfred Oluoch highlighted the importance of creating a policy that is “practical, proportionate and globally credible”, ensuring clarity for regulators, guidelines for procurement, and tools for institutions to implement AI responsibly.
“The question today is not whether we are going to use AI, but how we are going to govern it in its development, deployment, and usage, especially for the government.”
“A good policy should be one that is implementable. It must provide clarity to regulators, guidelines for procurement, and equip institutions with the tools and skills to responsibly use AI.”
Urgency and Continental Leadership
Mr John Kiare MICDE Officer Partnerships stressed the urgency of fast-tracking the policy, warning that Kenya risks becoming a consumer rather than a leader if action is delayed. He linked the policy to broader continental initiatives such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning Kenya as a potential leader in shaping Africa’s digital economy.
“If we don’t do it now, then the boats will have sailed and will leave us, and then we become social consumers from the others who are ahead of us. It is our time also to position ourselves and even as a government, it is our time to lead.”
Technical Foundations and Thematic Areas
Prof. George Musumba, the AI Technical Lead, outlined the need for an overarching policy to guide not only AI but also related technologies such as IoT, robotics, blockchain, and quantum computing. He emphasised balancing innovation, safety, and inclusion, while addressing challenges in governance, data management, ethics, and infrastructure.
Workshops and stakeholder engagements have already defined key thematic areas, ensuring the policy is evidence-based and consultative.
“The chief objective is balancing innovation, safety, and inclusion ensuring that as we innovate, we remain safe and inclusive in our models.”
“Public participation is not optional; it is a constitutional requirement. This policy must be evidence-based, consultative, and people-centered.”
Government’s Strategic Vision
Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui provided a clear articulation of the government’s vision. He emphasized that AI is a “defining policy” for Kenya, touching every sector of society. The government is anchoring the policy on three major pillars: AI infrastructure, data governance, and research & development (R&D).
“AI is one of those emerging disruptive technologies that will have a huge impact in society, touching all spheres for many years to come. As a country, we’ve been looking at how to optimize this great opportunity… There is no better way than to have a guiding document that will steer the entire country.”
Key highlights from Tanui’s remarks include:
- Transparency and efficiency: AI adoption will enhance government accountability and reduce costs.
- Job creation: The policy is expected to unlock new opportunities in Kenya’s digital economy.
- Data governance: A parallel policy is being developed to address data silos and strengthen innovation.
- Capacity building: Plans for a specialized AI university and collaboration with international partners aim to boost Kenya’s global tech presence.
“We are anchoring this policy on three major pillars: AI infrastructure, data governance, and research & development. These will enhance transparency, reduce costs, and unlock job opportunities.”
“We are working on a data governance policy to break down silos and improve innovation ranking, alongside plans for a specialized AI university to strengthen Kenya’s global tech presence.”
From all the sectoral workshops with the academia, media, CSOs, special interest groups, private sector, and the tech community, Kenya’s AI and Emerging Technologies Policy is not just a national framework, it is a strategic blueprint for Africa’s digital future. By harmonizing existing efforts, engaging diverse stakeholders, and focusing on infrastructure, data, and R&D, the government is positioning Kenya as a leader in responsible AI adoption.