Inside Kenya and Uganda’s push for stronger AI governance

Kenya and Uganda are collaborating to strengthen AI governance as they grapple with issues surrounding privacy, cybersecurity, public trust, and the increasing use of AI in government and business sectors. Their discussions took place in Nairobi on September 28, 2026, during a study visit by Uganda's Parliament Sessional Committee on ICT and National Guidance.

Ugandan lawmakers aimed to learn from Kenya's experience with AI policy, regulation, research, and the application of emerging technologies in public services. Kenya's Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, Stephen Isaboke, emphasized that the country is not yet finished with its AI governance journey. AI is being integrated into various sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, public services, and business, presenting both opportunities and challenges.

Concerns include how people's information is collected, stored, and used, as well as accountability for the decisions made by automated systems. Isaboke stressed that AI cannot be treated in isolation from other digital systems. Instead, it must be integrated within a broader digital government and digital economy framework, encompassing data protection, digital identity, cybersecurity, skills development, interoperability, and digital public infrastructure.

Kenya launched its National AI Strategy 2025-2030 in March 2025, focusing on infrastructure, data, governance, research, innovation, and commercialization. Uganda is studying Kenya's approach to AI governance to develop its own strategy. The two nations are also exploring avenues for sharing lessons and experiences rather than developing policies separately.

The discussions encompass responsible AI use, institutional coordination, public service delivery, and protecting citizens' rights while fostering innovation. For the general public, the debate goes beyond technology and concerns whether personal information is safeguarded, whether AI systems are fair, and whether individuals can challenge decisions made by automated tools.

Both Kenya and Uganda aim to ensure that AI benefits are not confined to large corporations, affluent users, or major cities. Isaboke assured that Kenya is open to sharing both successful practices and areas that require improvement in its AI governance system. The talks come as African countries continue developing frameworks for AI while wrestling with similar concerns over accountability, cybersecurity, skills, and access.

The primary challenge now lies in transforming policy discussions into concrete rules that protect citizens without hindering useful innovation.