Signal Kenya Closes Public Consultation on Draft AI and Emerging Technologies Policy 2026

Summary

Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy closed the public consultation period on its Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy 2026 on August 4, 2026, according to TechAfrica News. The draft policy proposes establishing a National AI and Other Emerging Technologies Council as the central regulatory authority, to be led by a Director supported by a Governing Board, a Technical Advisory Forum, and five directorates. It introduces classification of AI systems by risk level, mandatory registration for high-risk applications, and regulatory sandboxes intended to balance innovation with safety. The stated goal is to establish a national framework promoting innovation while ensuring safe, secure, and responsible development, deployment, and use of AI and other emerging technologies. Following the close of consultation, the policy is expected to move to the next stage of finalization, though the specific timeline was not disclosed. The initiative reflects a broader trend of African governments building AI governance capacity using risk-based frameworks similar to those adopted elsewhere.