Kenya AI policy commended for promoting ethical use of artificial intelligence
PILI CHIMERAH -PCO
The Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, has commended the Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy, describing it as a crucial framework for guiding the ethical development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country.
The draft policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, is currently undergoing public participation, with the deadline for submitting public comments extended to today (11th August 2026).
Speaking during the 9th Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition at Moi Girls School Nairobi, Prof. Shaukat emphasized the importance of the policy in ensuring that AI is applied responsibly to solve societal challenges, improve productivity, and ease workloads.
He encouraged young innovators to embrace digital technologies responsibly and ethically, noting that the country’s AI Policy will provide the necessary framework for the safe and responsible development and use of Artificial Intelligence.
“I urge the younger generation to use digital skills responsibly, especially Artificial Intelligence, to create a positive impact in society,” he said.
The Principal Secretary further underscored the need to nurture young people’s creativity and innovation, describing them as the driving force behind Kenya’s future economic growth and global competitiveness.
“I have a lot of confidence in our younger generation. You are the ones who will shape this nation into a better and more prosperous country,” he added.
Representing the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, the Director for Digital Skilling, Elizabeth Birgen, said the State Department recognizes the creativity, determination, and innovation demonstrated by young people as they leverage digital skills to address societal challenges.
She noted that young Kenyans across the country are identifying real-world problems and applying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to develop practical and impactful solutions.
“This is exactly the kind of problem-solving mindset that will drive Kenya’s future economy,” she said.
The exhibition brought together more than 300 students and their teachers from across the country, who showcased 154 innovative science projects designed to address local and global challenges.
Held under the theme "Shaping Kenya’s AI Future Using STEM,” the exhibition comes at a time when Kenya is increasingly embracing Artificial Intelligence as a key driver of socio-economic transformation.
Birgen described the theme as timely, noting that equipping young people with AI knowledge and digital skills will position Kenya as a regional leader in digital innovation.
“Around the world, artificial intelligence is transforming how we learn, work, deliver services, and solve complex challenges.
Kenya has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in this digital transformation, and that journey begins by investing in our young people,” she said.
She reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to equipping young innovators with digital skills that foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.