The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Standing Cabinet Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a move aimed at accelerating Kenya’s digital transformation and positioning the country as a leader in AI innovation across Africa.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, June 30.
According to a Cabinet dispatch, the new committee will coordinate the government’s artificial intelligence agenda, harmonise AI-related policies across ministries and guide the responsible development and adoption of emerging technologies.
Committee to coordinate national AI strategy
The committee has been tasked with providing strategic leadership on Kenya’s AI agenda while ensuring government institutions adopt a coordinated approach to artificial intelligence.
Cabinet said the body will oversee the implementation of the country’s AI strategy and help establish Kenya as a regional hub for responsible AI development.
“The committee will steer Kenya’s national AI strategy, coordinate policy across government and position the country as a regional leader in the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence,” the Cabinet said.
Focus on innovation and digital transformation
The approval comes as the government continues implementing reforms aimed at expanding Kenya’s digital economy.
Among the ongoing initiatives are investments in digital public infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, digitisation of government services and support for innovation-driven economic growth.
The government believes these measures will improve efficiency in public service delivery while increasing Kenya’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
AI expected to drive jobs and economic growth
Cabinet said the newly created committee will champion the use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity, encourage innovation and create employment opportunities.
The committee is also expected to identify ways AI can enhance government services while supporting inclusive economic growth across different sectors.
In addition, it will oversee the development of governance frameworks to ensure artificial intelligence is deployed responsibly, securely and ethically.
The government said appropriate safeguards will be put in place to address emerging risks associated with AI while encouraging innovation and investment.
Kenya positioning itself as a regional technology leader
The formation of the committee reflects Kenya’s broader ambition to become a leading digital innovation hub in Africa.
Officials say strengthening AI governance and investing in emerging technologies will help modernise public services, attract investment and prepare the country for future technological advancements.
The latest move forms part of the government’s wider digital transformation agenda, which seeks to leverage technology to improve service delivery, enhance economic competitiveness and support sustainable development.
