Kenya moves to regulate AI ahead of 2027 elections amid misinformation concerns

Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya (Agency Report) — The Kenyan government has begun developing a regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies amid growing concerns that AI-generated misinformation could undermine the credibility of the country’s 2027 General Election.

The move follows findings in the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Governance Study 2025/2026, which identified AI-generated misinformation as one of the fastest-growing threats to democratic processes, particularly through deepfakes, manipulated images, cloned voices and fabricated online content.

According to the study, 77 per cent of Kenyans rely on social media for political information, while 55 per cent depend on radio and television. It identified WhatsApp as a major channel for the rapid spread of misinformation through personal networks.

Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, NCCK Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Dennis Bosire, warned that unchecked AI-generated content could erode public trust in electoral institutions and heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 polls.

“When false content goes unchecked, it can fuel division and undermine trust. Many young people cannot reliably detect manipulated media, raising concerns about institutional credibility if no action is taken,” Bosire said.

He noted that existing laws, including the Data Protection Act, 2019, and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, provide important safeguards but are insufficient to address the risks posed by generative AI.

Bosire urged the government to fast-track the proposed Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, including the establishment of an AI Commissioner to oversee transparency measures such as AI content labelling and human rights assessments.

As part of its response, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, through the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, has invited public comments on the Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy before the August 4, 2026 deadline.

The draft policy seeks to establish a national framework for the governance, development, deployment and responsible use of AI and other emerging technologies while promoting innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, said Kenya has an opportunity to become a regional leader in responsible AI development by balancing innovation with adequate safeguards for citizens.

“Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming economies and redefining public service delivery. Kenya has an opportunity to build an AI ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive, secure and anchored in our national values,” Kabogo said.

He urged Kenyans to participate in the ongoing public consultation, noting that the feedback received would shape future AI governance, digital skills development and the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

The proposed policy is expected to provide the foundation for future AI legislation as Kenya prepares for wider adoption of artificial intelligence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

KNA.