The Kenyan government is taking a firm stance against the proliferation of AI-driven disinformation campaigns that pose a risk to the integrity of its democratic processes. At the recent unveiling of the Fifth National Action Plan on Open Government Partnership in Nairobi, President William Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to introducing regulations aimed at preventing the misuse of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
President Ruto underscored the potential threats posed by AI, particularly in the form of disinformation, which can undermine the foundations of democracy. To address these challenges, he announced the implementation of a regulatory regime designed to prevent the abuse of AI technologies that can lead to the spread of false information.
The Fifth National Action Plan is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to enhance transparency, encourage public participation, and ensure accountability within its governance structures. The plan is expected to contribute significantly to these objectives, reinforcing Kenya’s dedication to open governance.
Moreover, the Kenyan government is seeking to collaborate with international partners to guarantee that the adoption and application of new technologies are conducted responsibly and ethically. This approach is in line with global digital governance standards and aims to mitigate the risks associated with digital misinformation.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by recent incidents in which AI-generated deepfakes and social media bots were used to disseminate fabricated statements attributed to politicians, causing widespread concern among the Kenyan populace. These tactics have the potential to erode public trust and disrupt electoral processes.
For example, in 2021, the Kenyan public was bombarded with deepfakes of political figures, and in February 2023, an Israeli-based firm, Team Jorge, was implicated in election-related cyber activities, including hacking and the use of social media bots to skew public perception against a political candidate.
Despite these challenges, Kenya remains committed to harnessing the positive aspects of AI. In April 2024, the government, in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, launched an initiative to develop a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy aimed at propelling the country’s digital growth.
This initiative followed a proposal made in March 2024 by the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society, which recommended stringent penalties, including prison sentences and fines, for the operation of unlicensed AI and robotic entities.
The proposed legislation aims to establish the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society as the regulatory body overseeing IoT, robotics, and AI sectors. This body will be responsible for ensuring compliance, advising the government on AI trends, promoting ethical development, and encouraging collaboration among industry stakeholders.
In a further boost to Kenya’s digital landscape, May 2024 saw the country secure digital investments totaling $1 billion from tech giants such as Microsoft and the UAE-based AI firm G42. A portion of these investments will be allocated to the development of AI models for Swahili and English, as well as the launch of AI-driven societal services, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation journey.
