The government has launched public participation on the Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy, inviting Kenyans and stakeholders to submit their views as it moves to establish a national framework for the governance, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence.
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy said written submissions will be received until August 4, 2026, as part of efforts to develop a policy that promotes innovation while ensuring the responsible use of AI and other emerging technologies.
The draft policy seeks to provide Kenya with a clear framework to guide artificial intelligence adoption and governance, while strengthening digital trust, supporting innovation and preparing the country for the growing role of AI in economic development and public service delivery.
Announcing the public participation exercise, ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui said artificial intelligence would shape Kenya's future competitiveness and urged citizens and institutions to take part in developing the policy.
"Artificial Intelligence will shape the next era of economic growth, public service delivery and global competitiveness. The question is not whether Kenya should embrace AI—it is how we govern it responsibly while unlocking its full potential."
Tanui said the ministry was seeking views from innovators, researchers, universities, industry players, start-ups, the private sector, civil society organisations, government institutions, development partners, investors, professional bodies, the technical community and members of the public.
"This is an opportunity for innovators, researchers, academia, industry, startups, the private sector, civil society, government institutions, development partners, investors, professional bodies, the technical community, and every interested Kenyan to contribute to a forward-looking policy framework that will guide the development, adoption, deployment and governance of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies in our country. Together, these contributions will help shape a trusted, inclusive and innovation-driven AI ecosystem that advances Kenya's digital transformation and global competitiveness."
He said broad public participation would help create an effective governance framework capable of supporting innovation while safeguarding public interests.
"Strong national AI governance is built through inclusive dialogue. The quality of today's contributions will determine how effectively we foster innovation, protect rights, build digital trust, strengthen our talent ecosystem and position Kenya as a regional leader in the AI economy."
According to the ministry, the draft policy was prepared by a multi-stakeholder committee to establish a coherent national framework for the governance, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
The proposed policy aims to promote innovation, strengthen digital infrastructure and human capital, support sustainable development, enhance Kenya's economic resilience and reinforce the country's strategic autonomy in the digital economy.
The ministry said the public participation process is being conducted in line with the Constitution, which requires public involvement in policy formulation. Interested individuals and organisations have been asked to review the draft policy and submit their comments electronically or through the Committee on AI and Other Emerging Technologies before the August 4 deadline.
Tanui encouraged all stakeholders to take part in shaping the country's AI agenda.
"I encourage all stakeholders to review the draft policy and submit their comments before 4th August 2026."
He concluded by urging collective participation, saying, "Let's build Kenya's AI future together."