By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kenya has signed an
agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation
Organization (WAICO), with the government saying the initiative will support
efforts to ensure artificial intelligence becomes accessible and beneficial to
people across the globe.
The agreement was signed in
Shanghai by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the
Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, on behalf of the Republic of Kenya.
Hon. Kabogo said Kenya
joined WAICO because it believes artificial intelligence should serve as a
global public good that benefits ordinary citizens and not only a limited
number of countries or organisations.
He highlighted practical
applications of AI that could support communities, including helping farmers
access crop advisory services in local languages, improving healthcare delivery
through faster patient assessment and enabling developers to access computing
resources and AI models at affordable rates.
The Cabinet Secretary said
Kenya’s participation is anchored on the country’s growing digital innovation
experience, including its global leadership in mobile money and the
implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at
positioning Kenya as a leading AI innovation hub in Africa.
He emphasised that Kenya’s
approach to international AI partnerships is focused on building local
capacity, developing industries and ensuring that technology cooperation
creates long-term value for citizens.
Hon. Kabogo is also expected
to address the “Win-Win BRICS” Forum on behalf of the Global South, where he
will highlight the importance of partnerships that invest in skills
development, innovation and sustainable digital growth.
He said Kenya remains ready
to collaborate with WAICO, the United Nations and other partners committed to
advancing inclusive and equitable artificial intelligence development.
