Kenya is stepping into the future with confidence after unveiling its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, a milestone that signals the country’s ambition to become Africa’s digital innovation powerhouse. The strategy was launched by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo on June 28 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, drawing local and international interest. Kenya News Agency.
“AI is not a threat to our people. It is a tool for transformation, inclusion, and opportunity,” said CS Owalo during the launch. The strategy outlines Kenya’s roadmap to building robust AI infrastructure, supporting responsible innovation, and applying AI to key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, and public service.
Backed by the European Union, the UN Development Programme, and Germany’s development agency GIZ, Kenya’s strategy prioritizes ethical AI deployment, data sovereignty, and youth empowerment. The government also committed to increasing access to digital skills training for over 5 million young people by 2030.
Digital Ambitions Backed by Infrastructure: The AI strategy is closely linked with the government’s cloud-first policy, which was showcased at the Huawei Cloud Summit in Nairobi earlier this year. Kenya is already hosting local data centers for services like M-PESA and eCitizen, enabling more secure and scalable digital services.
Additionally, Kenya’s flagship smart city, Konza Technopolis, is expected to serve as the headquarters for Africa’s first AI Policy & Research Institute, a hub for developing region-specific AI solutions, particularly for climate, food security, and education.
Caution: Innovation with Accountability. However, not everyone is optimistic. Civil society groups have warned that the digital push must not outpace data protection laws or public transparency. In May 2025, the High Court declared Worldcoin’s biometric data collection unlawful, reinforcing concerns around surveillance and privacy in emerging technologies. People Daily Digital.
Meanwhile, access gaps persist. Rural communities still lack reliable internet, and public awareness around digital rights and AI ethics remains limited, especially outside urban centers. Critics argue that unless deliberate inclusion policies are enforced, the AI revolution could deepen the digital divide.
Regional Leadership: Despite the challenges, Kenya’s move has positioned it as a regional digital leader. Delegations from Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa attended the launch summit, signaling growing African cooperation in AI governance. With continental frameworks still under development, Kenya’s model could shape Africa’s future regulatory ecosystem.
Moral of the Story: Kenya’s leap into artificial intelligence is more than a tech trend it’s a declaration of vision and leadership. But for innovation to truly serve its people, it must be inclusive, ethical, and grounded in public trust. The future Kenya is building cannot afford to leave anyone behind, not in the cloud, not in code, and certainly not in policy.
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