The Kenyan government has unveiled new regulatory measures aimed at curbing the spread of AI-driven disinformation, which poses a growing threat to democratic processes. President William Ruto announced these steps while launching the Fifth National Action Plan on Open Government Partnership in Nairobi.
“We are also implementing a regulatory regime that forestalls the abuse of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, which leads to disinformation that threatens our democracy,” Ruto stated.
This action plan seeks to strengthen transparency, public participation, and accountability in governance, aligning Kenya’s efforts with global standards for responsible digital governance. The initiative also emphasizes collaboration with international partners to ensure the ethical use of advanced technologies like AI.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the potential misuse of AI to spread disinformation, especially as it could be used to manipulate public opinion, undermine trust in democratic institutions, and even interfere with elections. In 2021, Kenya experienced the widespread dissemination of AI-generated deep fakes, where politicians were falsely depicted making inflammatory remarks, further fueling the debate around regulating AI in the country.
In February 2023, the involvement of an Israeli firm, Team Jorge, in Kenyan elections also raised alarms. The firm reportedly used hacking and social media bots to influence public narratives against a political candidate, highlighting the serious risks posed by AI-driven disinformation.
Despite these challenges, Kenya remains committed to harnessing the benefits of AI. In April 2024, the government partnered with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to launch a project aimed at developing a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. This initiative is designed to drive Kenya’s digital expansion while addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI adoption.
Meanwhile, in March 2024, the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society proposed legislation that would impose fines and prison sentences for unlicensed AI and robotic entities. This bill aims to regulate AI technologies, including IoT and robotics, and ensure compliance with ethical standards. The proposed body will also advise the government on AI trends and promote collaboration among stakeholders to foster responsible development.
In May 2024, Kenya secured $1 billion in digital investments from Microsoft and UAE-based AI firm G42. A portion of these funds is dedicated to developing AI models in Swahili and English and launching AI-powered societal services, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to responsible AI innovation.
Kenya’s move to regulate AI-driven disinformation reflects the government’s proactive approach to balancing technological advancement with the need to protect democratic integrity and public trust.