Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, delivers his address at the Regional AI Principles Workshop in Nairobi today.
Kenya is taking significant steps to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and integrate it into its national security strategy. At the Regional AI Principles Workshop in Nairobi, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, shared the government’s strategy for the responsible use of AI. He emphasized that AI must be used for good, especially in an era of information wars and emerging security threats.
AI is already transforming key sectors, including banking, education, and telecommunications. Dr. Omollo acknowledged the immense economic and social benefits of AI, but also highlighted the security risks it poses. As generative AI rapidly evolves, gaps in existing regulations have become apparent, making it imperative to develop robust policies for its use.
To address these challenges, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in the responsible use of AI. The AI principles launched at the forum focus on safety, security, inclusivity and sustainability. These principles aim to provide a strong foundation for AI governance in Kenya and the wider African continent. Dr. Omollo emphasized that the goal is to ensure that AI does not disrupt critical infrastructure or compromise national security.
In response to the growing cyber threats posed by AI, the government is strengthening its cybersecurity measures. Through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee (NC4), Kenya is improving its ability to detect and counter AI-driven cyber threats. Dr. Omollo emphasized that strengthening cyber resilience is critical to protecting Kenya’s digital infrastructure.
The government is also ensuring that the use of AI in critical sectors, such as defense and justice, includes mandatory human oversight. Dr. Omollo reassured stakeholders that AI will be used responsibly, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse and protect ethical standards.
Kenya’s commitment to AI governance was reinforced at the UK-Kenya-Africa AI Convening. This high-level forum brought together key stakeholders from government, industry and academia to explore the transformative potential of AI. As digitalization continues to reshape governance, Kenya remains focused on balancing technological advancement with security and ethical considerations.
