Kenya’s push to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) has received fresh input from a Strathmore University study that identifies practical measures to strengthen the country’s proposed AI law and align it more closely with global standards.

The study comes as Kenya joins a growing number of countries seeking to establish dedicated legal frameworks to govern the development and use of artificial intelligence. Around the world, governments are racing to balance the opportunities presented by AI with concerns about privacy, accountability, bias, and the protection of human rights.

In Kenya, these efforts have taken shape through the Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, currently before the Senate. Sponsored by Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, the Bill seeks to provide a framework for the regulation and governance of AI, establish the Office of the Kenya Artificial Intelligence Commissioner, and promote the ethical, transparent and accountable use of AI technologies. The Bill was introduced in the Senate in February 2026 and is currently undergoing parliamentary consideration.

While AI technologies are already being used in sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, agriculture and public administration, Kenya does not yet have a dedicated law governing their use. Instead, AI-related issues are currently addressed through existing legislation, including data protection and information and communications technology laws.

It is against this backdrop that Prof. Joseph O. Onyango of the Strathmore University Business School and the Centre for Social Behaviour Change and Strategic Foresight undertook a study examining how Kenya’s proposed legislation compares with leading international AI governance frameworks.

The study finds that Kenya has already taken a significant step toward responsible AI governance.

According to the research, the proposed Bill is arguably the most advanced AI governance legislation currently under consideration on the African continent, reflecting a strong commitment to responsible and forward-looking regulation.

Rather than calling for a complete overhaul, the study identifies several targeted improvements that could strengthen the legislation and ensure closer alignment with international standards developed by organisations such as UNESCO, the OECD, the European Union and the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Among the areas highlighted are risk classification of AI systems, independent oversight mechanisms, transparency requirements, protection of fundamental rights, and stronger provisions for public participation.

“The gaps identified are real but bridgeable,” the study notes, arguing that Kenya already possesses a strong foundation upon which a comprehensive AI governance framework can be built.

The research also points to the need for institutions that can effectively oversee the rapidly evolving technology landscape. As AI systems become more integrated into daily life, decisions made by algorithms can increasingly influence employment opportunities, financial services, healthcare delivery and access to public services.

Prof. Onyango argues that effective governance is not intended to slow innovation but to create public confidence in how AI technologies are developed and deployed.

The study further observes that discussions around artificial intelligence often focus on technological breakthroughs while paying less attention to the governance structures required to ensure that innovation serves the public good.

By comparing Kenya’s proposed law with international frameworks, the research seeks to fill this gap and provide evidence-based insights that can support lawmakers, regulators and other stakeholders as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

The findings are particularly relevant at a time when countries across Africa are beginning to develop their own approaches to AI regulation.

According to the study, Kenya has an opportunity not only to adopt global best practices but also to contribute to the development of governance models that reflect African realities and priorities.

“Kenya is well positioned to move from being a recipient of global AI governance norms to becoming an active architect of them,” the study states.

The research also emphasises that AI governance should not be viewed solely as a technology issue. Questions of ethics, accountability, inclusion, transparency and public trust are equally important if societies are to realise the benefits of AI while minimising potential risks.

As policymakers continue debating the proposed legislation, the study offers timely evidence on how Kenya can strengthen its regulatory framework without undermining innovation.

The researcher concludes that with carefully targeted amendments, the proposed law can help position Kenya as a regional leader in responsible AI governance while supporting the country’s ambitions as a growing technology and innovation hub.

The study adds to a growing body of African scholarship on artificial intelligence and public policy, providing insights that could help shape not only Kenya’s regulatory framework but also broader conversations on AI governance across the continent.

Strathmore University continues to undertake research that informs policy and addresses emerging societal challenges. A collection of the University’s policy briefs and related research outputs is available through the institutional repository.

Article written by Otuma Ongalo.