The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Standing Cabinet Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spearhead Kenya’s national AI agenda and position the country as a regional leader in the responsible development and adoption of the emerging technology.

The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, where the government also reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating digital transformation through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, innovation and technology-driven public service delivery.

“Looking ahead, Cabinet established a Standing Cabinet Committee on Artificial Intelligence to steer Kenya’s national AI strategy, coordinate policy across Government and position the country as a regional leader in the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence,” the communique read in part.

According to the Cabinet, the government is implementing key digital reforms, including the expansion of digital public infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, the digitisation of government services and the promotion of innovation to strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness in the digital economy.

Against this backdrop, the Cabinet established the Standing Cabinet Committee on Artificial Intelligence to steer Kenya’s national AI strategy and coordinate AI policy across government. The committee will also guide the country’s efforts to position Kenya as a regional leader in the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence.

The purpose of the commitee

The committee is expected to advance AI-driven innovation, boost productivity, improve public service delivery, create employment opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth. It will also develop appropriate governance frameworks and safeguards to ensure the ethical, secure and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The committee will advance AI-driven innovation, productivity, public service delivery, job creation and inclusive economic growth while putting in place appropriate governance and safeguards.”

The government said the move reflects its commitment to harnessing emerging technologies to support economic growth, improve service delivery and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading digital innovation hub in Africa.

El nino preparedness

The government has also activated a nationwide contingency plan ahead of the forecast moderate-to-strong El Niño rains expected later in 2026, with Cabinet establishing a special committee to coordinate preparedness and response efforts aimed at minimising the impact of potential flooding and other weather-related disasters.

The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.