Artificial Intelligence law at Kenya
As of May 2025, Kenya is actively developing its legal and regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) through two significant initiatives: the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill, 2023 and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Draft Code of Practice for AI Applications (DKS 3007:2024).(DPA)
🇰🇪 1. Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill, 2023
Introduced in November 2023, this draft bill aims to establish the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society (KRAIS) as a regulatory body overseeing AI and robotics development in the country. The bill proposes:
Establishment of KRAIS: A body corporate responsible for regulating and promoting AI and robotics.(DPA)
Regulatory Framework: A risk-based approach categorizing AI systems into high, moderate, and low-risk, with corresponding regulatory measures.
Ethical Guidelines: Emphasis on principles such as public good, human safety, privacy, accountability, and inclusivity.(Kenya AI)
Institutional Support: Provisions for a national commission, research center, and education programs, with funding from both national and county governments.(Kenya AI)
Licensing and Enforcement: Mandatory registration and licensing for AI entities, with penalties for non-compliance.(DPA)
Despite its introduction, the bill has faced opposition from Kenya's IT industry, which argues that it could stifle innovation and lacks adequate stakeholder consultation. As of now, the bill remains under deliberation and has not been enacted into law. (CoinGeek, DPA)
🧠 2. KEBS Draft Code of Practice for AI Applications (DKS 3007:2024)
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has developed a draft national standard titled DKS 3007:2024, which provides guidelines for the responsible development and deployment of AI systems. The draft emphasizes:(DPA)
Trustworthiness: Ensuring transparency, explainability, and controllability of AI systems.(productcomplianceinstitute.com)
Risk Management: Implementing practices to assess and mitigate risks associated with AI applications.
Ethical Considerations: Addressing societal impacts and promoting ethical AI use.
Testing and Validation: Recommending comprehensive testing, including adversarial and stress testing, to ensure AI system reliability.(DPA)
The draft was open for public consultation until June 13, 2024. While it is not legally binding, it serves as a foundational document for AI governance in Kenya. (DPA)
🔍 Outlook
Kenya is making significant strides toward establishing a comprehensive AI regulatory framework. The ongoing development of the KRAIS Bill and the KEBS Code of Practice reflects the country's commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring ethical and responsible AI deployment. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on continued stakeholder engagement and alignment with international best practices.
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