Kenya will use the upcoming 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) to advance discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, climate action and technology governance, State Department for Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei has said.
Speaking during a briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, Sing’oei said President William Ruto is expected to depart the country later this week for the UN General Assembly, where he will engage world leaders on issues of global importance.
A key focus of Kenya’s engagement at the UNGA will be artificial intelligence, with the government seeking to promote technology that improves lives, strengthens institutions and expands economic opportunities while addressing emerging security and governance challenges.
The PS said Kenya has taken a leading role in global discussions on responsible AI, including supporting United Nations resolutions aimed at promoting safe, secure, inclusive and trustworthy artificial intelligence.
He said Kenya’s growing involvement in AI governance is also aimed at ensuring African countries benefit from technological advancement rather than being left behind.
At the UNGA, President Ruto and the President of Finland are expected to lead a high-level initiative on AI and governance, focusing on collaboration across the AI ecosystem, including computing capacity, data, talent and data centres.
The initiative is expected to encourage countries to work together in developing technological capabilities that can support economic growth and prosperity.
Kenya is also a founding member of the AI for Sustainable Development initiative, which is currently supported by more than 14 countries. The government says the initiative will be further strengthened during the UNGA to enhance Africa’s capacity to harness AI for sustainable development.
Sing’oei further highlighted Kenya’s efforts on AI safety, particularly the protection of children online. He said Kenya has been involved in international discussions aimed at developing a declaration and roadmap to strengthen online safety for children.
The discussions bring together several countries, including Kenya, Spain, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, among others.
On climate change, Sing’oei said Kenya is working with technology companies to deploy satellite data, communications, mobility technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen climate monitoring, forecasting and response mechanisms across Africa.
He said the government wants African countries to have access to technological capabilities that can help them respond more effectively to climate-related events, including extreme weather and El Niño-related impacts.
Kenya will also host the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from December 14 to 18, with more than 5,000 delegates expected to attend.
The forum, whose theme is “Governing the Internet in the Age of Intelligence,” will be held in Africa under a new format focusing heavily on digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Sing’oei said Kenya’s growing role in global technology discussions and its hosting of major international forums are expected to create opportunities for jobs, investment and innovation.
He said the government’s broader objective is to position Kenya as a destination for technology investment while ensuring that the benefits of emerging technologies reach ordinary Kenyans.
“Because in artificial intelligence, if you don’t have the capabilities, it means you will be left behind,” he said, stressing the need for Kenya to continue building its technological capacity.
The PS said the government would continue engaging stakeholders to ensure that Kenya’s investments and international partnerships in technology translate into tangible benefits for citizens.