The Kenyan government says it is moving to translate investments in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into measurable gains in productivity, jobs, enterprise growth and public services.
Steven Isaboke, principal secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, speaking at a forum in Nairobi on Monday, said the emphasis must now shift from policy development to practical implementation that delivers tangible value to citizens.
The forum, themed "Kenya's Digital and AI Dividend: From Promise to Practical Action", was held in partnership with the World Bank Group, which Isaboke commended for its continued support and analytical work on how AI is affecting jobs and e-commerce opportunities in Kenya.
"The real measure of our digital transformation will not be the number of policies we have developed, platforms we have launched or strategies we have published," Isaboke said. "It will be whether these investments result in more productive businesses, better jobs, more efficient public services, greater inclusion and improved quality of life for our citizens."
Isaboke said Kenya's policy foundations, digital payments ecosystem, expanding connectivity, innovative private sector and young workforce provide a strong basis for capturing the digital and AI dividend.
"The digital and AI dividend will not be realised simply because technology is available," he said. "It will be realised when a farmer uses digital tools and AI to increase productivity, when an MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise) reaches new customers through e-commerce; when a teacher uses technology to improve learning and when a young Kenyan acquires a new digital skill and accesses a new opportunity."
The government says the country has established a solid policy foundation for the digital economy, including the National Digital Master Plan (2022–2032), National E-Commerce Strategy (2023) and National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2030).
Isaboke called for greater AI literacy and practical skills among citizens, public servants, teachers, MSMEs and workers, alongside advanced capabilities for researchers, developers and enterprises building and commercialising AI solutions.
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