NAIROBI, Kenya- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says Kenya is stepping up efforts to prepare for the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), describing the technology as a transformative force that will shape the country’s economic and social future.
Speaking after a meeting of the Joint Committee of Cabinet in Karen on Thursday, Kindiki said the government had begun assessing Kenya’s readiness to adopt AI while exploring policies and programmes that will enable the country to harness the technology for national development.
“Artificial Intelligence is shaping the world’s future and redefining many aspects of life,” Kindiki said.
He noted that AI is expected to have a significant impact on key sectors, including agriculture, climate action, energy, national security, employment and other critical areas of the economy.
According to the Deputy President, the Cabinet committee deliberated on ways of leveraging AI to advance Kenya’s present and future national interests while ensuring government interventions are aligned with the opportunities and challenges presented by the emerging technology.
“The Joint Committee of Cabinet has met to assess Kenya’s preparedness and to conceptualise ways of harnessing AI, leveraging on it and aligning policy and programmatic interventions to make AI work for Kenya’s present and future national interest,” he said.
The remarks come days after Cabinet approved the establishment of a Standing Cabinet Committee on Artificial Intelligence to coordinate the country’s AI strategy, harmonise policy across government and provide strategic leadership on the responsible development and adoption of the technology.
The committee is also expected to oversee governance frameworks aimed at promoting ethical, secure and inclusive use of AI while supporting innovation, productivity, public service delivery and job creation.
Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as a regional digital innovation hub through investments in digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity and the digitisation of government services.
The government views artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness as countries race to integrate AI into public services and private enterprise.