The Kenyan government is taking steps to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to balance the technology’s vast potential with the need to mitigate risks associated with its malicious use.
This initiative is part of the draft Kenya National AI Strategy for 2025-2030, which aims to harness AI’s capabilities to drive the nation’s economic growth.
The proposed strategy also seeks to position Kenya as a leading African nation in leveraging AI to achieve various national goals. Key to this plan is encouraging investors to establish local data labs that would facilitate training for the youth on the potential benefits of AI.
Another critical component of the strategy involves launching a public awareness campaign focused on AI rights, as well as addressing issues of disinformation and misinformation to prevent misuse of the technology.
To ensure ethical and equitable technology use, stakeholders and civil servants will receive education on responsible AI practices. These initiatives are seen as vital for building a skilled and agile workforce to advance the country’s technological landscape.
This draft strategy comes at a time when the government is grappling with concerns over the use of AI among Kenyan youths, particularly as some have taken to generating AI images to express dissatisfaction with current political situations.
Political leaders have publicly condemned this trend and warned of potential repercussions for those involved in creating controversial images. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the seriousness of this issue during an address in Uasin Gishu on January 10, 2025.
“There are individuals creating images of our leaders in coffins. I urge every parent, especially church leaders, to take a stand against this troubling behavior. If your child receives such an image from a classmate, will you still defend that conduct?” he challenged.
Murkomen stated that the government would reassess these behaviors and ensure that those using social media to threaten others are held accountable. “If we do not act, we will not maintain order in our country; we must bring about order so that all Kenyans can live in a peaceful society,” he added.
This comprehensive regulatory effort reflects the government’s determination to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding the nation from its associated risks.
