Kenya releases National AI Strategy 2025-2030

Kenya announced the National AI Strategy 2025-2030 on 27 March 2025, establishing a structured framework for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven innovation for socio-economic development. The National AI Strategy sets out key action points for the development of Kenya’s AI regulatory framework. This strategy provides significant opportunities for AI stakeholders by reducing regulatory uncertainty, fostering investment, and strengthening industry cooperation. AI stakeholders should consider actively engaging with AI stakeholders. Regulatory authorities and industry associations.

Kenya announced the National AI Strategy 2025-2030 on March 27, 2025, establishing a structured framework for harnessing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven innovation for socio-economic development. Centered around three pillars: AI digital infrastructure, data, and AI research and innovation, the strategy represents a pivotal and positive step in the country’s digital transformation efforts and provides a forward-looking framework to address regulatory uncertainty and responsible innovation. For legal and business stakeholders, this development means a more predictable and enabling environment for AI investments, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration.

Legal and regulatory landscape of AI governance in Kenya

The National AI Strategy notes that Kenya lacks a dedicated AI legal framework and relies on data protection laws, sector-specific policies and regulatory proposals such as the Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill (2023) and the Draft IT Artificial Intelligence Code of Practice (2024). Kenya is also developing a 10-year National Digital Master Plan (2022-2032). The plan outlines the transformative potential of AI, but emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity and structured oversight. To address this, the National AI Strategy sets out key action points for the development of Kenya’s AI regulatory framework.

Reviewing sectoral legislation (employment, intellectual property, cybercrime) to align with AI governance Harmonizing digital, tax and cybersecurity laws in East and Central Africa for cross-border data compliance Introducing a soft AI regulatory framework to balance innovation while strengthening safeguards Developing AI and emerging technology legislation as AI adoption matures Leveraging regulatory sandboxes to refine AI governance and compliance standards

These initiatives demonstrate Kenya’s goal to gradually introduce AI-specific regulations, ensuring a legal environment that supports responsible AI adoption while fostering innovation and market competitiveness. Therefore, major companies should keep an eye on regulatory developments in the AI ​​space over the next five years.

At the regional level, Kenya’s National AI Strategy is aligned with the African Union’s (AU) AI Continental Strategy, launched in June 2024. The strategy aims to leverage the transformative potential of AI to accelerate socio-economic growth and development across Africa.

Potential opportunities for AI investors and industry players

Kenya’s strategy provides opportunities for AI stakeholders by reducing regulatory uncertainty, fostering investment, and increasing industry collaboration. Kenya aims to build a thriving AI ecosystem with access to skilled experts, research partnerships, and regulatory predictability, in line with regional and global AI governance trends. Key beneficiaries include the healthcare, security, fintech, education, and agriculture sectors, where AI solutions can increase efficiency, enhance service delivery, and create new economic opportunities.

For companies implementing AI, the legal landscape in Kenya is evolving and requires active engagement in policy discussions, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance with new governance frameworks. As AI standards evolve, organizations have the opportunity to shape policy direction, integrate ethical AI, and remain competitive in Africa’s AI market.

National AI policy value proposition

The strategy aims to drive economic growth through AI-enabled productivity, revenue generation, and enhanced government service delivery. While recognizing the potential job destruction, it is prioritizing digital job creation, ethical use of AI, and stronger governance. By promoting a comprehensive and structured AI environment, the strategy aims to position Kenya as a leading AI hub, ensuring global partnerships and scalable AI adoption.

Next steps for AI stakeholders

Kenya’s AI strategy is gradually evolving towards formal regulation, and businesses need to stay ahead of policy developments to ensure compliance and strategic alignment. AI stakeholders should actively engage with regulators and industry associations to provide input on AI liability frameworks, ethical implementation standards, and cross-border governance arrangements. Companies operating in Kenya should assess their legal obligations, adapt their AI models to future regulatory requirements, and consider leveraging government-backed incentives for responsible AI adoption. Participation in public-private AI collaborations should help create a balanced regulatory environment and help Kenya’s AI ecosystem remain innovative and legally sound.

If you would like to learn more about these trends and their practical implications, EY Law will be hosting a webinar on this topic in November 2025. For more information and to register, please email Deborah.Moragwa@ke.ey.com or any of the Kenyan contacts listed below.