Kenya has taken a bold step in building a responsible AI ecosystem with the launch of the UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund, an initiative led by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS).
Known for its work in development research across Africa, ACTS is working to promote sustainable growth through science, technology, and innovation.
This AI Challenge Fund represents a collaborative effort between Kenya and the United Kingdom to foster cross-border partnerships and drive the ethical development and application of AI technologies.
Targeting essential sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and public service, the fund aligns with Kenya’s national AI strategy, with an emphasis on safety, ethics, equity, and inclusion. It aims to ensure that AI benefits reach all Kenyans, building a more inclusive ecosystem that addresses both social and technological needs.
Speaking at the event, Ali Hussein Kassim, Chair of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), underscored the fund’s dual mission: “Our objective is clear: to strengthen UK-Kenya partnerships around AI, focusing on policy and systems alignment while building institutional capacity,” he noted.
Beyond enhancing AI governance, the fund will support ethical frameworks and empower Kenyan institutions to become leaders in AI research and innovation across Africa.
By prioritizing projects that address societal challenges, the fund aims to produce impactful and responsible AI solutions, positioning Kenya as a hub for sustainable AI growth.