NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is taking a proactive stance on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, emphasizing security, inclusivity, and responsible development as the technology reshapes industries across Africa.
Speaking at the Regional AI Principles Workshop in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo underscored the need for robust regulatory frameworks to mitigate AI-related threats while maximizing its benefits.
The high-level workshop, held ahead of the 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris, brought together regional leaders to set strategic priorities for AI governance.
Attended the groundbreaking UK-Kenya-Africa AI Convening, a high-level gathering that brought together key stakeholders from government, industry and academia. This event served as a platform to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across Africa,…
Dr. Omollo highlighted Kenya’s rapid digital transformation, noting that the country has emerged as a technological hub with key sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and education embracing automation.
He pointed to the government’s push for digital services, with over 22,000 public services now accessible via the eCitizen platform, benefiting 13.5 million registered users.
However, concerns over security risks, misinformation, and cyber threats are growing as AI adoption accelerates.
Dr. Omollo warned that existing regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep pace with AI’s disruptive potential, particularly in critical infrastructure and national security.
“The rapid rise of generative AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges,” he said, emphasizing that governance must evolve to address these emerging risks.
To counter AI-driven threats, Kenya is strengthening its cybersecurity resilience through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee (NC4).
The government is also engaging with global tech giants, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, to ensure responsible content moderation and combat digital misinformation.
“Trust is the currency of the digital age, and we must earn it through transparency and accountability,” Dr. Omollo stated.
A key outcome of the workshop was the endorsement of AI principles rooted in safety, security, inclusivity, and sustainability—guiding values that Kenya and its regional partners aim to uphold.
Dr. Omollo stressed the importance of mandatory human oversight in critical AI applications, particularly in defense and the justice system.
Beyond regulation, Kenya is also investing in AI talent development.
The government is training public servants to integrate AI-driven analytics into governance and decision-making, ensuring that Africa is not just a consumer of AI technology but an active participant in shaping its future.
Dr. Omollo called for stronger continental cooperation, urging development partners to support Africa’s AI ambitions.
“Our vision is for Africa to actively shape and lead in AI development, embedding our priorities in the global AI agenda,” he said.
The event, hosted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nairobi, marks a significant step in Africa’s approach to AI governance, setting the stage for continued discussions at the Paris summit later this year.
