The Kenyan government, in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, has initiated a project to formulate a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. This endeavor, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union, is named “FAIR Forward – Artificial Intelligence for All.”

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Despite recognizing the challenges posed by AI, the initiative underscores its potential to drive Kenya’s digital transformation and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notably, this development follows a proposal by the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society to introduce regulations for AI and robotic entities, highlighting the importance of responsible and ethical AI development.

A recent meeting convened 70 key stakeholders from diverse sectors in Nairobi to prepare for the launch of the initiative. The gathering aimed to assess Kenya’s AI ecosystem, identify opportunities and challenges, discuss ongoing initiatives, and solicit feedback for the National AI Strategy’s development.

Bodo Immink, GIZ Country Director, emphasized the project’s significance in leveraging AI for sustainable development and social inclusion in Kenya. Discussions during the meeting focused on Research and Development (R&D) challenges, data collection methods, and stakeholder involvement in crafting the strategy.

The growing importance of AI is evident across Africa, with institutions like the University of Johannesburg making AI courses mandatory for all qualifications. Research suggests that AI could significantly boost the global economy by 2030, with Africa poised to generate substantial economic growth. However, challenges persist, such as infrastructure limitations and educational gaps, particularly in countries like Nigeria.

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