Kenya Unveils Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2030

Kenya Aims to Lead Africa in AI with Ambitious Strategy

Kenya is stepping into the global spotlight with its draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2030.

Now opened for public consultation, the document reveals a forward-looking agenda aimed at making the nation an African AI hub.

The strategy, discussed below, seeks public and expert input to refine its vision for sustainable development, economic progress, and inclusive growth through AI.

AI Infrastructure and Localised Solutions

The strategy highlights three core pillars to drive this vision: AI digital infrastructure, sustainable data ecosystems, and AI research and innovation.

These elements aim to harness artificial intelligence to address Kenya’s unique challenges, from agricultural productivity to urban planning and public health.

Developing robust digital infrastructure is key, with plans to establish high-capacity data centres and cloud computing facilities that will underpin the growing demand for AI capabilities.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the government emphasises sustainable data ecosystems, which focus on secure, accessible, and high-quality data to fuel innovation.

This focus on localised solutions is a deliberate effort to ensure that AI applications resonate with the country's socio-economic context.

For example, AI in agriculture is expected to improve food security through precision farming tools tailored to local weather and soil data.

Similarly, the healthcare sector could benefit from AI-driven diagnostic tools in underserved areas, where human resources are often stretched thin.

Governance, Ethics, and Collaboration

Recognising the transformative potential of AI, the strategy also outlines key enablers to support its success. These include governance frameworks, ethical AI standards, talent development, and targeted investments.

Kenya’s approach is notably participatory, involving a wide range of stakeholders such as the government, private sector, academia, civil society, and local communities. This collaboration aims to ensure that the strategy's benefits are felt across all layers of society.

Governance and safety are a major focus, with the strategy proposing the development of technical risk and safety frameworks. These measures aim to ensure AI deployment is both effective and aligned with societal values.

By revising existing laws and regulations, Kenya hopes to create an enabling legal environment that supports innovation while mitigating risks such as data misuse and algorithmic bias.

Additionally, the strategy emphasises the importance of ethical AI practices, particularly in balancing technological advancements with the protection of individual rights. This focus could set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues as they integrate AI into their socio-economic frameworks.

Building Talent for an AI Future

One of the most pressing concerns globally is the availability of skilled professionals in AI. Kenya’s strategy addresses this through a strong emphasis on talent development.

The government aims to establish training programmes, promote AI literacy, and create pathways for young professionals to enter the industry. This focus not only seeks to address the current talent gap but also positions Kenya as a hub for AI expertise in the region.

Educational institutions are expected to play a pivotal role, offering specialised courses and research opportunities that align with the nation’s AI ambitions. Private sector involvement is also encouraged, with incentives for companies to invest in upskilling employees and supporting academic partnerships.

Kenya’s draft National AI Strategy 2025-2030 paints an ambitious picture of a country ready to embrace the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

Through infrastructure development, inclusive collaboration, and a commitment to ethical practices, the nation is poised to set an example for how AI can be harnessed for societal good. The public consultation period offers an opportunity for diverse voices to shape this vision, ensuring it reflects the needs and aspirations of all Kenyans.