Kenya will host the Fourth Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain in Nairobi on April 7–8, 2027.
The announcement was made on June 19, 2026, in Geneva during a conference hosted by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. This places Kenya as the first African nation and the first country from the Global South to host the high-level summit focused on responsible use of AI in military operations.
REAIM has quickly emerged as the leading global platform for addressing the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in defence. Previous editions have been held in cities such as The Hague, Seoul and A Coruña, bringing together governments, defence agencies, technology companies, academia and civil society to define norms for the use of AI in warfare and security.
Kenya’s selection signals a broader shift where Africa is no longer just a participant in global AI discussions and is increasingly becoming a convening power.
Over the past few years, Kenya has positioned itself as a key voice in international AI policy. The country has contributed to global frameworks on safe and trustworthy AI, supported United Nations-led processes and played a role in shaping discussions around inclusive AI governance that reflect Global South priorities.
By hosting REAIM 2027, Nairobi is expected to become a focal point for negotiations around some of the most sensitive questions in emerging technology today, including the use of autonomous systems in warfare, AI-driven surveillance and the role of human oversight in military decision-making.
According to Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, the 2027 summit will focus on translating high-level commitments into practical implementation.
This includes building institutional capacity within defence forces, developing AI talent and expertise and strengthening collaboration between governments, researchers and private sector players.
Discussions in Nairobi are expected to focus on transparency and accountability in AI systems, ethical constraints on autonomous weapons, international cooperation and standard-setting and safeguards to protect human rights and the rule of law.
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