The government has moved to tighten oversight of artificial intelligence by introducing a national policy that seeks to protect Kenyans' personal information while guiding the safe use of the fast-growing technology.
The framework sets new standards for how AI systems handle data and outlines how the technology will be adopted across key sectors without compromising people's privacy.
The Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy, 2026, is the country's first comprehensive framework on AI. It comes as artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday services, including digital lending, hiring processes, healthcare, customer support and other digital platforms.
As the use of AI continues to expand, concerns have also grown over how personal data is collected, processed and stored. The ICT ministry has now invited public views on the policy, with one of its main proposals focusing on ensuring Kenya has greater control over data generated within its borders.
To support that goal, the government plans to invest in local data centres, cloud infrastructure and high-performance computing facilities to reduce reliance on foreign-owned digital systems.
The policy also requires providers of AI platforms to ensure that information generated in Kenya is managed under Kenyan laws.
“Kenya must build sovereign digital infrastructure that safeguards national interests while supporting innovation,” the policy says.
The framework further states that organisations developing or using artificial intelligence must comply with the Data Protection Act and all existing privacy laws whenever they process personal information.
Beyond regulating data, the government wants AI to become a tool for improving services and boosting productivity in sectors that drive the economy. The policy lists agriculture, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration among the priority areas for adoption.
In agriculture, AI technology is expected to help farmers detect drought conditions, pest infestations and crop diseases early, enabling them to take action before losses occur.
The policy also projects better healthcare through faster diagnosis of illnesses such as tuberculosis and cervical cancer, while expanding access to quality medical services.
In education, artificial intelligence is expected to support personalised learning by adapting lessons to the needs of individual learners.
Banks and other financial institutions are also expected to use AI to strengthen fraud detection systems, improve customer experience and widen access to financial products.
Government departments are expected to use the technology to improve planning, speed up public services, reduce bureaucracy and make better use of public resources.
“The government will promote the adoption of AI across priority sectors to improve productivity, service delivery and economic competitiveness,” the policy states.
The framework also requires AI systems to operate in a transparent, secure and accountable manner, especially where they influence decisions affecting people's lives.
For Kenyans, this will mean tighter safeguards when artificial intelligence is used in areas such as loan approvals, recruitment, healthcare, insurance and government programmes. The policy also says people should know, and be informed when they don't, whenever they are interacting with an AI system instead of a human being.
It further provides that users should have an opportunity to question or seek a review of important decisions made through AI systems.
The government also wants the policy to protect children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups from harmful or manipulative AI applications.
At the same time, the framework seeks to position Kenya to benefit from the growing artificial intelligence economy instead of remaining only a user of technologies developed elsewhere.