Inception Workshop Launches Development of the Kenya Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies Policy

Kenya's journey toward a National AI and Emerging Technologies Policy began today as the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), alongside partners KICTANet and UK International Development, hosted a multi-stakeholder Inception Workshop at Radisson Blu Nairobi.

The policy will establish a comprehensive framework to guide the development, deployment, and regulation of AI and emerging technologies in Kenya. The inaugural workshop convened key stakeholders to align on its core objectives, identify priority areas, and shape the roadmap for its development.

In the keynote address, Mr. Emmanuel Kata, Secretary for ICT – Cybersecurity, representing Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, stated that the Policy transcends governance. He noted its critical role in future-proofing Kenya's digital economy, empowering citizens, and ensuring inclusive technological progress.

The agenda also included a panel on "AI and Emerging Technologies for Development: Opportunities and Risks," which set the stage for deeper thematic breakout sessions. These sessions, covering critical areas from Ethics and Data Governance to Innovation and Regulatory Frameworks, enabled stakeholders to contribute targeted input that will shape the policy's core chapters.

Distinguished attendees included Ali Hussein, Chairman of KICTANet; Bernard Rotich, Ag. Secretary for Digital Governance and Data Governance Directorate; Gabriel Muthama, Deputy Government Spokesperson; and Charles Juma, Country Lead for the UK Digital Access Programme, alongside other senior government officials.