Kenya, Germany forge path for AI centre

By Maria Macharia, Kenya Correspondent
Johannesburg, 04 Feb 2026
The meeting between Kenyan authorities and their counterparts from Germany focused on preliminary consultations toward establishing a Centre of African Excellence for Applied Artificial Intelligence in the East African country.
The meeting between Kenyan authorities and their counterparts from Germany focused on preliminary consultations toward establishing a Centre of African Excellence for Applied Artificial Intelligence in the East African country.

Kenya is advancing science, technology, and innovation as drivers of national development.

Yesterday, John Tanui, principal secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the digital Economy, welcomed a delegation from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space to Nairobi led by Erik Hansalek, head of department for cooperation with Africa and the Middle East, and accompanied by ministry officials and German Embassy Nairobi officials.

Prof. Emmanuel Mutisya, council chairman of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST), and Prof. J.W. Khamasi, principal and council secretary of Kenya-AIST, were also present.

The meeting focused on preliminary consultations toward establishing a Centre of African Excellence for Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Kenya, according to Tanui.

He said the proposed Centre will strengthen AI research, teaching, innovation, and capacity building, in alignment with Kenya’s National AI Strategy 2025–2030, positioning the East African country as a continental hub for ethical AI innovation and locally relevant solutions.

Tanui added: “Discussions covered collaboration frameworks, the central role of Kenya-AIST, responsible AI governance, talent development, data ecosystems, and next steps toward formalising the partnership.

“Strategic international partnerships, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, are vital to strengthening research, accelerating economic growth, and promoting inclusive progress.”

Share

Read more
ITWeb proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to enquiries@ombudsman.org.za. Contact the Press Council on 011 484 3612.
Copyright @ 1996 - 2026 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved.