President William Ruto has revealed that Kenya is in discussions with OpenAI to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, including plans to establish Nairobi as the host of the first OpenAI Academy initiative in Eastern Africa.
Speaking on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit on Wednesday, June 17, Ruto said he held talks with OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman on potential collaboration to expand AI education, strengthen digital skills, and support both educators and learners.
Ruto and OpenAI CEO Altman Eye AI Academy in Nairobi
President Ruto said the proposed partnership would position Nairobi as a regional hub for AI talent and innovation while expanding access to emerging technologies for young people across the region.
“We explored potential collaboration through establishing Nairobi as the home of the first OpenAI Academy initiative in Eastern Africa, expanding AI education, strengthening digital skills, supporting educators and learners, and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leading hub for AI talent and innovation,” Ruto said.
The Head of State added that harnessing emerging technologies is key to creating opportunities for young people and ensuring Africa plays a meaningful role in the global digital economy.
“I underscored the importance of harnessing emerging technologies to create opportunities for young people, drive innovation and ensure Africa plays a meaningful role in shaping the future digital economy,” he said.
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A Nation Leading the Way in AI Adoption
According to the Digital Global Update Report, Kenya recorded the world’s highest rate of AI tool usage in 2025, with 42.1% of internet users aged 16 and above reporting active use of AI-powered technologies. This level of usage indicates that AI is increasingly being woven into the daily life of Kenyans.
Kenya has made significant investments in digital services, innovation hubs, and connectivity under the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032.
These developments are also transforming how citizens interact with the government. Tools such as the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner’s Linda Data chatbot and platforms such as Sauti ya Bajeti have expanded access to rights information and budget tracking.
Despite AI delivering clear benefits, it also revealed its dual nature, most visibly during the 2024 #RejectFinanceBill protests, when Gen Z mobilized through AI-generated infographics, satire, and short-form videos.
The launch of the Kenya National AI Strategy 2025–2030 in March 2025 signaled the country’s ambition to position itself as Africa’s leading AI innovation hub.
The strategy prioritizes governance, ethics, investment, digital infrastructure, data ecosystem development, and support for AI research and innovation.
Kenya has also strengthened its international profile through participation in programmes such as the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on AI, joining the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, and assuming leadership in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20).
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Kenya AI Bill 2026
Kenya is set to introduce a new legal framework to regulate the use of emerging digital technologies following the publication of the Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, sponsored by Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.
The Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive system to guide the development and use of automated systems in the country, with a focus on ethics, transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights and personal data.
It also aims to close regulatory gaps in existing laws, including the Science, Technology and Innovation Act and the Data Protection Act.
At the centre of the proposed legislation is the creation of the Office of the Artificial Intelligence Commissioner, which will serve as the main regulatory authority overseeing the deployment of these technologies across different sectors.
The office will be tasked with monitoring risks, advising government, developing policy, and enforcing compliance.
The Bill introduces a risk-based regulatory approach, aligning Kenya with international frameworks such as the European Union’s AI Act and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030.
Under this model, digital systems will be classified by risk level, with stricter controls applied to high-impact applications.
