Kenya Launches Inception Workshop to Develop National AI and Emerging Technologies Policy

Kenya has taken a major step toward formalizing its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies with the launch of an Inception Workshop hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE). The event, held at Radisson Blu Nairobi, was organized in partnership with KICTANet and UK International Development.

The workshop marks the beginning of the development of a National AI and Emerging Technologies Policy, aimed at creating a comprehensive framework to guide the development, deployment, and regulation of AI and other emerging technologies in Kenya. Stakeholders gathered to discuss priority areas, align on objectives, and shape the roadmap for the policy’s implementation.

In his keynote address, Mr. Emmanuel Kata, Secretary for ICT – Cybersecurity, representing the Principal Secretary of the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, emphasized that the policy goes beyond governance. It is intended to future-proof Kenya’s digital economy, empower citizens, and ensure inclusive technological growth.

The agenda included a panel discussion on “AI and Emerging Technologies for Development: Opportunities and Risks,” followed by thematic breakout sessions covering ethics, data governance, innovation, and regulatory frameworks. These sessions enabled participants to contribute targeted insights to shape the policy’s core chapters.

Key attendees included Ali Hussein, Chairman of KICTANet; Bernard Rotich, Acting 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.

The initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to establishing a robust, forward-looking framework for AI and emerging technologies, ensuring the country remains competitive and inclusive in the digital era.