Kenya's Cabinet Forms Dedicated AI Committee to Spearhead National Strategy and Drive Digital Economy

Kenya's Cabinet has taken a significant step towards solidifying its position in the global artificial intelligence landscape by establishing a new Standing Cabinet Committee on Artificial Intelligence. This high-level committee is tasked with spearheading the national AI strategy, ensuring cohesive policy implementation across government sectors, and positioning Kenya as a frontrunner in responsible AI development within the African region. Its mandate encompasses fostering AI-driven innovation, enhancing public service delivery, creating employment opportunities, and promoting inclusive economic growth, all while establishing robust governance frameworks and safeguards.

The formation of this Cabinet committee complements rather than replaces the existing National AI Steering Committee, which was instrumental in drafting the country's national strategy. The new body is expected to streamline coordination between Cabinet members and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, particularly regarding national AI initiatives and legislative policy in Parliament. This strategic move builds upon the previously launched Kenya Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2030, which focuses on critical pillars such as AI digital infrastructure, data and AI governance, and the research, innovation, and commercialization of AI, with a specific emphasis on localized models for key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services.

The economic implications of AI adoption for Kenya are substantial. Projections indicate that AI could contribute approximately $2.4 billion to the Kenyan economy by 2030, with the nation's information and communications technology market anticipated to reach $14.92 billion within the same timeframe. In a related policy decision during the same Cabinet session, Kenya also adopted a National Business Process Outsourcing Policy. This policy aims to attract international investment, generate youth employment, and expand Kenya's share in the burgeoning global BPO market, which is expected to exceed $526 billion by 2030, leveraging Kenya's English-speaking workforce, favorable time zone, and existing digital infrastructure.

This latest development follows a period of active legislative engagement concerning AI. In February 2026, a draft Artificial Intelligence Bill was introduced to the Senate, proposing the creation of an independent Office of the Artificial Intelligence Commissioner. The bill also outlined a four-tier risk classification system, drawing inspiration from the EU AI Act, and recommended penalties including fines and prison terms for the creation or distribution of harmful AI-generated content. Subsequently, the Senate directed the relevant ministry to formulate a comprehensive national AI policy, covering areas such as AI research, ethical guidelines, regulatory sandboxes, and AI education.