Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy has published the Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy for public participation, marking a significant step toward establishing a national framework for the governance and adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The Ministry has invited innovators, researchers, academia, startups, private sector organisations, civil society, investors and members of the public to review the draft policy and submit feedback before 4 August 2026. The consultation process is expected to inform revisions before the policy is finalised and adopted.
According to the draft, the proposed policy seeks to provide a unified national framework to guide the development, deployment, governance and responsible use of artificial intelligence across Kenya while balancing innovation with safeguards around privacy, cybersecurity, ethics and public trust. The framework builds on existing initiatives, including the Kenya AI Strategy (2025–2030), the Digital Master Plan and the Data Protection Act, while positioning Kenya as a regional leader in AI innovation and digital transformation.
The draft also outlines the government’s ambition to establish Kenya as not only a consumer of artificial intelligence technologies but also a developer, investment destination, regulator and trusted international partner within the global AI economy. Proposed measures include strengthening AI research, developing local talent, expanding digital infrastructure, improving access to computing resources and supporting the commercialisation of locally developed AI solutions.
To strengthen governance, the policy proposes the establishment of a National AI and Other Emerging Technologies Council to provide strategic oversight, supported by a dedicated AI Office responsible for coordinating implementation across government, regulators, academia and the private sector. The draft also identifies key challenges, including fragmented governance, limited AI skills, reliance on foreign cloud infrastructure, inadequate computing capacity, data interoperability issues and the need for stronger protections around algorithmic accountability, cybersecurity and digital rights.
Beyond artificial intelligence, the proposed policy also addresses emerging technologies such as blockchain, robotics, extended reality, the Internet of Things and quantum technologies, adopting a risk-based governance approach based on the potential impact of each technology. The Ministry has encouraged stakeholders to participate in the consultation process, noting that public input will help shape Kenya’s long-term approach to AI governance and digital transformation.
