Government Moves Digital and AI Agenda from Policy to Action

The Government is moving to translate Kenya’s investments in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into measurable gains in productivity, jobs, enterprise growth and public services.

Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, EBS, said the focus must now shift from policy development to practical implementation that delivers tangible value to Kenyans.

PS Isaboke was speaking during a forum on Kenya’s Digital and AI Dividend: From Promise to Practical Action, organised in partnership with the World Bank Group. He appreciated the World Bank’s continued partnership and analytical work on the impact of AI on jobs and opportunities for unlocking e-commerce in Kenya.

Kenya has established a strong policy foundation for the digital economy, including the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, National E-Commerce Strategy 2023 and National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030.

The National AI Strategy focuses on AI digital infrastructure, data ecosystems and governance, and research, innovation and commercialisation.

PS Isaboke said the success of digital transformation should be measured by its impact rather than the number of policies or platforms developed.

“The real measure of our digital transformation will not be the number of policies we have developed, platforms we have launched or strategies we have published. It will be whether these investments result in more productive businesses, better jobs, more efficient public services, greater inclusion and improved quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

On AI and the future of work, PS Isaboke called for greater AI literacy and practical skills among citizens, public servants, teachers, MSMEs and workers, alongside advanced capabilities for researchers, developers and enterprises building and commercialising AI solutions.

He welcomed continued partnership with the World Bank Group, noting that Kenya’s policy foundations, digital payments ecosystem, expanding connectivity, innovative private sector and young workforce provide a strong basis for capturing the digital and AI dividend.

“The digital and AI dividend will not be realised simply because technology is available. It will be realised when a farmer uses digital tools and AI to increase productivity; when an MSME reaches new customers through e-commerce; when a teacher uses technology to improve learning; and when a young Kenyan acquires a new digital skill and accesses a new opportunity,” he said.