Kenya to host global military AI summit in Nairobi in 2027

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a landmark decision, Kenya has announced it will host the fourth Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit from April 14–15, 2027, marking the first time this global forum will be held on the African continent. The summit will convene a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, defense institutions, technology firms, academia, researchers, civil society groups, and international organizations, to tackle the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into military and security operations.

Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology and the summit's chair, emphasized that hosting the forum in Nairobi would provide a platform for African perspectives to be more directly incorporated into international discussions surrounding the development and utilization of AI in the military domain. The summit aims to shift the focus from merely making commitments to actively implementing practical measures, such as fortifying national capabilities, enhancing institutional preparedness, and promoting responsible use of AI in defense and security.

Thigo further highlighted that the Nairobi summit is anticipated to attract participants from across the global defense, technology, and policy sectors, as nations grapple with the implications of advanced AI systems in military applications. By placing African priorities and experiences on the global stage, Kenya aims to contribute to a more comprehensive and inclusive conversation on the governance, accountability, and responsible deployment of military AI.