Poised to be an AI powerhouse: Kenya launches its National AI Strategy
With the launch of its national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, Kenya sets a clear course for inclusive, ethical, and locally driven AI development. Built on broad public dialogue, the strategy outlines a strong vision for AI that benefits the whole of society.
Kenya has reached a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey: More than 500 representatives from across government, industry and academia celebrated the launch of Kenya’s National AI Strategy on 27 March 2025 in Nairobi.
This is a commitment to shaping Kenya’s digital future. We will be architects of our digital destiny with AI as a key driver of our digital transformation agenda. Kenya will not just be a consumer of AI, but also a creator, innovator and thought leader.
Hon. William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy
What sets Kenya’s AI strategy apart is the in-depth, participatory process that led to its creation. Through expert consultations, focus group discussions and town hall meetings across the country, diverse voices worked together to shape a strategy that reflects Kenyan values.
This participatory approach ensured that the strategy is grounded in a holistic Kenyan perspective with outcomes for all of Kenyan society.
Dr Melissa Omino, Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT), Strathmore University
Seven strategic themes, one vision
The strategy is clear in its vision: for Kenya to be a regional leader in AI research, development and innovation with a focus on inclusive socio-economic development. To achieve this goal, the strategy sets out seven strategic themes, covering three core pillars:
- AI Digital Infrastructure
- Data
- AI Research, Development and Innovation
Underlying these pillars are four themes as key enablers:
- Talent Development
- Governance
- Investments
- Ethics, Equity and Inclusion
Kenya’s strong local innovation ecosystem, existing legal frameworks, such as for data protection, and political commitment provide a solid foundation for Kenya to become an AI powerhouse.
To leverage this potential, we must invest in training local AI expertise, creating high-quality datasets that represent our Kenyan context, and in developing inclusive AI solutions that benefit all of society.
Leonida Mutuku, AI and Research lead, Local Development Research Institute
The implementation of the strategy will be guided by a strong set of principles to ensure an inclusive, co-creative, responsible and environmentally sustainable approach to AI. To benefit all of society, it calls for AI development and adoption to preserve Kenyan cultural values, promote economic benefits broadly, and prioritise local talent, resources, and solutions.
Partnerships for implementation
As Kenya begins with turning the strategy into reality, local, regional and international partnerships will play a crucial role in achieving its broad vision.
The EU remains committed to partner with Kenya every step of the way, to invest in secure digital infrastructure, to facilitate research partnerships and to support AI governance frameworks that work for Kenya.
Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya
Deputy Ambassador Alexander Fierley underlined Germany’s longstanding commitment to a human-centred digital transformation, highlighting Kenya’s strategy as a global benchmark for inclusive AI policymaking.
Germany’s support rooted in shared values, where technology serves people. Kenya’s strategy embodies this. Its participatory and holistic approach sets a global example. We remain committed and pledge to stand by you in support.
Alexander Fierley, German Deputy Ambassador
About:
The strategy document can be accessed via the website of the Kenyan Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy here.
Kenya’s National AI Strategy was developed with the financial support of the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The GIZ initiative FAIR Forward—Artificial Intelligence for All, under the umbrella of the Digital Transformation Center in Kenya, provided technical advice throughout the strategy development process.
