Kenya is strengthening its artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation partnership with the US, with discussions focused on technology investment, data governance and responsible AI development.
The Department for Information and Communication Technology and the Digital Economy on Thursday hosted a US delegation comprising representatives from the Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) to explore opportunities to deepen cooperation.
The discussions focused on increasing technology investment in Kenya, using trusted data governance to support economic growth and digital trade, fostering innovation, and enabling responsible AI development through secure, ethical and accountable data use.
The delegations also discussed aligning Kenya’s policy and regulatory frameworks with international standards to improve interoperability and support trusted cross-border data flows for investment, digital services and international commerce.
John Tanui, principal secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, led the Kenyan delegation in Nairobi. Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s data protection Commissioner, also attended.
Tanui said the discussions covered strengthening Kenya’s digital investment environment, building on engagements from President William Ruto’s Silicon Valley trip, and advancing key policy initiatives, including the national data governance policy and the AI and emerging technologies policy.
“As Kenya accelerates its digital transformation and AI ambitions, trusted data governance is increasingly becoming a strategic national asset,” said Tanui.
“Strong data protection frameworks are not barriers to innovation — they are the foundation upon which secure digital services, responsible AI, cross-border data flows, investor confidence and sustainable economic growth are built.”
Tanui said aligning Kenya’s national frameworks with global best practice would strengthen the country’s position as a trusted digital economy.
He added that engagements with the US diplomatic mission, AmCham and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner demonstrated a shared commitment to building a secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital future.
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