Kenya is seeking closer collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to develop a common regional framework for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital inclusion as the country accelerates the adoption of the technology across key sectors of its economy.
The proposal was discussed during a stakeholder consultative meeting held in Nairobi under the Inclusive Digitalisation in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programme, which is supported by the World Bank.
The meeting brought together government officials, regional policymakers and other stakeholders to develop a regional artificial intelligence strategy, a harmonised regulatory framework, and a digital inclusion action plan aimed at advancing digital transformation and strengthening cybersecurity across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The proposed framework is expected to support economic growth, drive innovation, improve digital service delivery, and help member states respond to emerging cyber threats as artificial intelligence becomes more widely adopted.
Speaking during the meeting on Monday, Director of ICT at the State Department for Trade, Timothy Were, said artificial intelligence has become a key driver of economic development by supporting trade facilitation, industrial competitiveness and innovation.
"We recognise that digital technologies and artificial intelligence are transforming economies and creating new opportunities for inclusive growth," said Were.
He said Kenya has already taken steps to promote the responsible use of AI through the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which provides a roadmap for the development and adoption of the technology across various sectors of the economy.
According to Were, the government is also investing in digital infrastructure, research, innovation and data governance as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.
He, however, noted that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence has also created challenges that require greater regional cooperation.
"Cyberspace has no borders. Without a proper regulatory framework, there are people taking advantage of others through emerging technologies. That is why we need harmonised regional policies so that citizens and businesses enjoy the same protections across member states," he said.
Were said that harmonising AI regulations across COMESA member states would create consistent rules governing the technology, making it easier for businesses operating across borders to comply with the law. He added that a common regulatory framework would also promote regional trade and support the expansion of digital services.
The discussions also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in Kenya's economy, with several sectors already integrating the technology into their operations.
According to Were, the banking and financial services sector has recorded the highest level of AI adoption in the country. Other sectors increasingly embracing the technology include education, transport and logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.
He said artificial intelligence is improving efficiency, expanding access to services, and helping address long-standing challenges across industries.
In agriculture, Were said AI is helping bridge the shortage of agricultural extension officers by enabling farmers to access advisory services through digital platforms.
He added that artificial intelligence is becoming an important tool for boosting agricultural production and improving farmers' access to information across the country.
"AI is playing an important role in revitalising agriculture, which remains the backbone of Kenya's economy," he said.
The consultative meeting forms part of broader regional efforts to establish common approaches to digital governance as countries continue integrating artificial intelligence into public services and business operations.
Through the IDEA Programme partnership, Kenya and COMESA are working to develop policies that support innovation while ensuring digital technologies are developed and deployed responsibly across the region.
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