Kenya is laying the groundwork to become Africa’s leading center for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, with a focus on ethical use, inclusivity, and sustainable development, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.
Speaking at the Global AI Summit 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, Mudavadi said the country is actively shaping a government-led AI vision that promotes responsible research, development, and deployment of AI technologies across key sectors.
“Kenya is already having a serious national conversation on AI. Our focus is to implement a strategy that provides a comprehensive framework to guide the country in leveraging AI’s transformative potential for economic growth, improved service delivery, and social progress,” he said.
At the heart of Kenya’s ambition is the recently launched National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2030), unveiled by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy. The strategy outlines plans to accelerate AI adoption, develop homegrown solutions tailored to African needs, and commercialize innovations responsibly.
Mudavadi underscored that the country’s approach is anchored in ethics, security, and innovation. “We are committed to building an AI ecosystem that is secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven,” he said. “As a continent, we must not let fear dictate our approach to AI. We should not be driven out of town by fear when it comes to this important frontier.”
Youth and Education at the Core
A key pillar of the strategy is investment in youth and education. Mudavadi noted that with more than Ksh 600 billion allocated to education annually, a portion of that budget should be directed towards programs that prepare young Kenyans for AI-driven careers.
“Kenya has a large, tech-savvy youth population. Our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs must be redefined to ensure young people are equipped with the right tools and skills from the outset,” he said.
Focus on Strategic Sectors
The strategy identifies healthcare, agriculture, financial services, and public administration as priority sectors for AI deployment. Mudavadi highlighted health technology and smart agriculture as areas already attracting significant investment.
“AI has the potential to revolutionize traditional sectors like agriculture. By integrating AI tools, we can modernize farming practices and make them more appealing to young people,” he added.
Building the Infrastructure
Kenya’s expanding digital infrastructure—comprising data centers, cloud services, and research hubs—will support the rollout of AI initiatives. In tandem, the government is developing legislation to regulate the emerging AI space and ensure its ethical governance.
With this bold push, Kenya is not just preparing for the future—it is aiming to lead it.
