Kenya’s AI and Emerging Technologies Policy, Set for June 2026, Will Complement National AI Strategy and Lead Regional Innovation
Kenya is moving forward with the development of a National AI and Emerging Technologies Policy that is expected to be finalized by June 2026. This new policy aims to complement the country’s National AI Strategy (2025–2030), which was launched in March 2025, marking Kenya’s commitment to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies for national development.
Collaboration in Policy Development
The development of this policy officially kicked off in November 2025 under the leadership of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (MICDE). This initiative is being pursued in partnership with multiple stakeholders, including the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), international partners like the British High Commission, and a multi-stakeholder Technical Working Group (TWG).
The committee includes experts from various fields such as academia, civil society, government, and startups, ensuring a wide range of expertise and viewpoints are incorporated into the policy framework. The goal is to create a comprehensive and flexible foundation for Kenya’s approach to emerging technologies.
A Foundational Framework for AI Governance
According to the members of the Technical Working Group, the policy will serve as a foundational framework that will guide the development of specific strategies for managing emerging technologies, including AI. Some stakeholders hope that Kenya’s approach could serve as a model for other African nations, positioning Kenya as a reference point for AI and technology governance on the continent.
Aligning with Global Trends
Kenya’s move to establish a national policy for AI comes as part of a broader global trend. As of mid-2025, nearly 70 countries worldwide had already adopted national AI strategies, according to the OECD AI Policy Observatory. This online platform, maintained by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), tracks global AI policy initiatives and aims to support coordinated policy development.
Several African countries, including Kenya and Rwanda, have also launched official national AI strategies, underscoring the continent’s growing recognition of the importance of AI governance and regulation.
Public Participation and Regional Impact
The development committee has emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the policy, ensuring that the policy-making process remains inclusive and transparent. The progress of the AI and Emerging Technologies policy will be closely watched both within Kenya and across the African continent, as it could set the stage for the region’s approach to technology governance.
With this policy, Kenya seeks to create an environment that supports innovation while ensuring responsible development and regulation of AI and emerging technologies. By taking a proactive approach to these challenges, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in the AI space, both locally and regionally.
