The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy has published the Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy for public participation.
The ministry is inviting feedback from innovators, researchers, academia, startups, private sector players, civil society, investors and members of the public before 4 August 2026, after which the policy is expected to be refined ahead of adoption.
According to the draft, the policy aims to create a unified national framework to guide the governance, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence across Kenya while balancing innovation with safeguards around privacy, security, ethics and public trust. It builds on existing initiatives including the Kenya AI Strategy (2025–2030), the Digital Master Plan and the Data Protection Act.
The government says Kenya intends to position itself not only as a consumer of AI technologies but also as a developer, investor destination, regulator and trusted international partner within the global AI economy. The policy outlines ambitions to improve local research, develop AI talent, expand digital infrastructure, improve access to computing resources and support commercialization of locally developed AI solutions. This is quite bold and if implemented, will go a long way in helping the industry mature.
There is a proposal to create a National AI and Other Emerging Technologies Council to provide strategic oversight. This council will be supported by a dedicated AI Office that will be responsible for coordination and implementation across government, regulators, academia and the private sector.
The draft also pointed out some of the challenges Kenya must address to benefit from AI fully. These include fragmented governance, a lack of AI skills, reliance on foreign cloud infrastructure, limited access to computing capacity and data quality and interoperability gaps. It also shares the need for stronger protections around algorithmic accountability, cybersecurity and digital rights.
The policy also covers other emerging technologies including blockchain, robotics, extended reality, the Internet of Things and quantum technologies, adopting a risk-based approach to governance based on the potential impact of different technologies and applications.
The ministry is asking interested stakeholders to review the draft policy and submit their comments before the consultation period closes. The ministry said public participation will help shape Kenya’s long-term approach to AI governance and digital transformation.
The draft policy is available at https://ict.go.ke.
Comments should be submitted electronically to:
Email:aipolicy@moict.go.ke
CC: legal@moict.go.ke
Or delivered to:
Chairperson
Committee on AI and Other Emerging Technologies
C/O Principal Secretary
State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy
10th Floor, Telposta Towers
P.O. Box 30025-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
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