Kenyan MP Marianne Kitany has called for swift government action to create a legal and ethical framework regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that the country faces growing risks from unchecked adoption of the technology.
Addressing the National Assembly on Thursday, the Aldai legislator introduced a motion highlighting the dangers AI poses when implemented without proper safeguards. She urged the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy to lead the drafting of laws and public education campaigns that protect Kenyans while encouraging responsible innovation.
“The world is rapidly embracing Artificial Intelligence, but the rate at which this technology is growing in our society—without regulation—is dangerous,” Kitany told lawmakers. “We’re already witnessing its misuse in disinformation, algorithmic bias, and privacy breaches.”
According to the 2022 Government Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index, Kenya ranked fifth in Africa and 90th globally in preparedness for AI adoption. The Oxford Insights Survey scored Kenya at 40.3% in AI readiness. Kitany said these figures reflect potential but also expose regulatory gaps that need immediate attention.
She listed specific threats including AI-generated misinformation, surveillance, job displacement, financial market manipulation, and autonomous weapon systems.
“There is need to protect Kenyans from the potential AI-instigated harms such as privacy breaches, algorithmic discrimination, and social manipulation,” she said.
The motion proposes that the government prioritize AI policy development with an inclusive process involving civil society, private sector stakeholders, academia, and technology experts. Kitany stressed that AI policy must be “people-centered,” balancing innovation with public interest and safety.
She also called for a nationwide awareness campaign to help citizens understand both the benefits and risks of AI. “Kenyans deserve to know how this technology affects their lives, jobs, and rights,” Kitany said.
Her motion follows a growing global debate about how governments should respond to the rise of AI technologies, from deepfakes and misinformation to workplace automation. Kenya has recently expanded its digital infrastructure and services, prompting calls from lawmakers and civil society for stronger governance in emerging tech sectors.
The proposed AI framework would cover ethical standards, security guidelines, transparency rules, and privacy protections, aiming to prevent harmful outcomes as AI systems become more integrated in public and private services.
Kitany’s proposal will undergo debate before the Assembly considers formal legislative action.
