PS for ICT and Digital Economy calls for collaborative efforts to harness AI

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, has emphasized the need for multi-sectoral partnerships to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming public service delivery. Speaking during the GovAI Public Sector Workshop, a collaborative initiative hosted by Meta in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) and the Ministry of Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, the PS Tanui highlighted Kenya’s commitment to becoming a continental leader in ethical and inclusive AI adoption. 

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including Mercy Ndegwa, Director of Public Policy for East Africa at Meta, and Faith Nkatha Gitonga, Country Manager at the Tony Blair Institute, alongside representatives from various institutions driving digital transformation. The discussions centered on the practical application of AI, including Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), to enhance efficiency and innovation in government services. 

Kenya’s National AI Strategy (2025–2030) serves as a blueprint for integrating AI into critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and public safety. Eng. Tanui noted that the Digital Superhighway and the Kenya Cloud Policy will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, securing data management, and attracting investment in AI-driven solutions. 

Among the key highlights of the workshop were presentations on global GenAI applications in the public sector by Deloitte, as well as real-world use cases from the State Department for Citizen Services, including the eCitizen platform. Interactive sessions allowed participants to explore AI-powered pilot projects aimed at improving service delivery. 

The Principal Secretary stressed that collaboration between government, academia, industry, and civil society is crucial to ensuring AI solutions remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with Kenya’s development goals. He revealed that several AI pilot programs are already underway in education, job creation, and security, signaling the country’s proactive approach to technological advancement. 

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye