In March 2025, Kenya officially launched its National AI Strategy 2025–2030, led by ICT Cabinet Secretary Hon. William Kabogo. This bold, forward-looking strategy aims to position Kenya as a leading hub for artificial intelligence innovation in Africa, placing AI at the heart of sustainable development, economic acceleration, and social inclusion.
At the core of the strategy are three strategic pillars designed to support the country’s transition into a digital-first, knowledge-driven economy:
These pillars are guided by key strategic goals, which include modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure, building a skilled AI workforce, creating adaptive governance frameworks, accelerating public and private sector investments, and fostering ethical, inclusive AI development that centers the needs of all Kenyans.
As part of the strategy’s background, research conducted by Creatives Garage in collaboration with Mozilla Foundation provided critical insights into existing AI-related efforts in Kenya. Several taskforces, policy initiatives, and strategic frameworks had already been set up by 2024. These include the Taskforce on Distributed Ledgers and AI (2019), which made early recommendations for blockchain and AI policy; the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, which outlines the importance of an AI Master Plan; and the Data Protection Act 2019, which, while essential for AI, lacks specific AI-tailored safeguards. The Digital Economy Blueprint 2019 further recognized AI as a growth enabler, though it offered no actionable deployment strategy. Notably, the AI Practitioners Guide 2023, developed in partnership with GIZ and FAIR-Forward, provided practical, Kenya-specific legal and regulatory guidance for AI development. However, the Kenya Robotics and AI Bill 2023 remains controversial—criticized for being premature and overly restrictive without adequately addressing ethical and data privacy concerns.
Summarizing the status of these efforts reveals both progress and gaps. While Kenya has developed several strategic documents and frameworks, few have transitioned into enforceable policies. The Data Protection Act is operational but not tailored to AI’s complexity. Capacity-building initiatives like the AI Practitioners Guide exist, but there's still no formal curriculum or national training strategy. It is important to note that implementation remains fragmented, with no single body driving coordinated action.
Despite these challenges, the Kenya AI Strategy 2025–2030 recognizes AI’s potential as a transformative force. Key obstacles include limited digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, high costs of data and devices, and fragmented data ecosystems lacking standardization. There’s also a critical shortage of AI talent, underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, and minimal investment in youth-led or community-based AI innovation. Ethical concerns such as algorithmic bias, digital exclusion, and automation-related job displacement must also be addressed. Furthermore, Kenya’s dependency on foreign technology threatens data sovereignty and risks digital exploitation.
Yet, the opportunities outweigh the obstacles. AI could revolutionize productivity in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and finance. It can streamline government services, offer personalized learning and diagnostics, and help Kenya leapfrog outdated systems. With smart use of data, evidence-based policymaking becomes more precise and impactful. AI also empowers young people by creating new career pathways and reducing unemployment through upskilling and innovation. If designed inclusively, AI can bridge the urban-rural divide and ensure technology works for all, not just the privileged few.
Organizations across the public, private, academic, and civil society spectrum are vital to making this vision a reality. Tech companies and telecoms can expand internet access and invest in AI-ready infrastructure. Universities and training centers can integrate AI into curricula. Startups and research institutions can develop locally relevant solutions. Civil society can ensure ethical, inclusive frameworks are adopted, and investors can fuel innovation that addresses real societal needs. These sectors must work together to build a robust, ethical, and impactful AI ecosystem.
For this to happen, the government must act as a strategic enabler. It must provide policy clarity and develop AI-specific legal frameworks rooted in ethics and human rights. Investment in digital infrastructure, especially in underserved regions, is critical. The state should also fund education, research, and innovation through scholarships, grants, and public-private partnerships. Incentives like tax relief and innovation challenge grants can spark creativity across industries. Collaboration platforms are essential for knowledge-sharing and co-creation, while global positioning can attract international funding, partnerships, and visibility.
In short, Kenya’s National AI Strategy is a call to action. With coordinated effort, ethical foresight, and inclusive innovation, Kenya has the potential to lead Africa’s AI revolution while ensuring that no one is left behind.