Tech leaders discuss Kenya’s role in AI adoption

Kenya’s growing prominence in artificial intelligence (AI) was the focus of a high-level discussion among tech leaders, government officials, and innovators during the recent Digital Innovation Forum held in Nairobi. Participants emphasized the country’s potential to become a regional hub for AI, highlighting ongoing projects in healthcare, agriculture, finance, and public services that leverage AI to solve local challenges. The forum also explored ways to strengthen policy frameworks, build digital skills, and ensure ethical, inclusive adoption of AI technologies across the country.
Speakers pointed to the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy launched on 27 March 2025 and the Kenya AI Skilling Alliance (KAISA) launched on 29 October 2025 as pivotal milestones that have shaped Kenya’s AI ecosystem. These initiatives aim to create a skilled workforce, support innovation, and provide startups with resources and mentorship to deploy AI solutions at scale. Case studies presented during the forum included AI-assisted crop disease monitoring, predictive analytics in healthcare, and automation solutions in financial services—demonstrating tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities.
Experts stressed that while Kenya is making notable strides, sustained growth in AI adoption will require careful attention to data privacy, governance, and equitable access. Leaders called for continued collaboration between government, academia, industry, and civil society to ensure that AI adoption benefits all citizens and supports national development goals. Looking ahead, the forum concluded that Kenya’s proactive approach to AI positions the country to lead Africa in technological innovation, stimulate economic growth, and foster a digitally skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.