Kenya has intensified its push to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence, with ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo calling for more inclusive global AI development while unveiling the country’s bid to host a key regional AI office.
Speaking at the “Win-Win BRICS” Forum during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Kabogo urged governments, investors and technology leaders to ensure Africa is not left behind as artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy.
The Cabinet Secretary represented the Global South during the forum, where he outlined Kenya’s vision for equitable AI governance and digital transformation.
Kenya joins global AI cooperation initiative
Kabogo’s address came a day after Kenya signed the agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), an institution expected to promote international collaboration on AI development and governance.
He said the organization would play a critical role in ensuring artificial intelligence benefits all countries rather than a select few.
“Yesterday Kenya signed the Agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, because AI should serve all of humanity as a public product, and because the institutions that will govern it are being built right now,” Kabogo said.
Kabogo highlights Africa’s AI challenges
The ICT Cabinet Secretary noted that despite Africa having one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations, the continent continues to face significant barriers in developing competitive artificial intelligence technologies.
He said most African AI researchers and innovators lack adequate computing infrastructure, while the continent attracts only a small share of global venture capital investment.
Kabogo argued that accelerating AI adoption across Africa will require increased investment in digital infrastructure, computing power, technical skills and locally driven innovation.
“Moving from consensus to practice means widening access, building local capacity, and prioritising real application in agriculture, health, education and public services,” he said.
Kenya invites global AI investors
Kabogo said Kenya is positioning itself as a preferred destination for artificial intelligence investments by combining its renewable energy resources with its strategic location within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that Kenya’s abundant geothermal energy provides a sustainable source of power for data centres, making the country an attractive location for companies seeking environmentally friendly digital infrastructure.
“With geothermal leading our clean energy mix, we invite partners to build data centres and use Kenya as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Kabogo said.
Kenya seeks to host WAICO regional office
As part of its broader digital ambitions, Kenya has formally proposed hosting the Eastern Africa regional office of the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.
Kabogo said securing the regional office would strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading centre for AI research, innovation and digital transformation across East Africa.
“I am proud to announce that Kenya has proposed to host the Eastern Africa regional office of the new Organization. The future of AI must be inclusive, and Kenya will help build it,” he said.
AI identified as key driver of economic growth
The government has identified artificial intelligence as a strategic pillar in Kenya’s digital economy agenda, with applications expected to improve productivity and service delivery across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and public administration.
Officials say expanding AI capabilities will also help position Kenya as a regional innovation hub while attracting investment and supporting the country’s long-term economic transformation.
