The government will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into learning in schools, Information Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has said.

This is even as he acknowledged that ChatGPT is becoming part of daily engagement and that his ministry is working with the Communications Authority to ensure it is incorporated into the school curriculum.

Appearing before the Senate plenary yesterday to answer questions from the lawmakers, Kabogo assured that the government has already partnered with the European Union (EU) to come up with a policy on the use of AI.

“The government has launched the Artificial Intelligence strategy jointly with the European Union. We are coming up with a policy which will be incorporated in learning in schools to ensure that our country is not left behind,” said Kabogo.

Learning purposes

Kabogo was responding to Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu) who had sought to know whether the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) was working with the Ministry of Education and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the curriculum for learning purposes.

“Has the Ministry of ICT, Education and KICD developed any policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence?” posed Thangwa.

The lawmakers also sought to know whether Kabogo’s ministry and the Communications Authority (CA) were working towards incorporating ChatGTP into the curriculum.

“ChatGTP is now being used daily by various actors and it is important for Kenyan children to be well equipped. Has the Ministry taken up this matter and what is the status?” posed Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.

Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi (Meru) asked Kabogo to explain how the universal service fund has been used in the past five years.

According to Kabogo, the government is working towards connecting 100, 000 Kilometres of fibre network coverage across the country.

Kabogo said that his ministry is working towards ensuring that the entire country has high-speed internet connectivity.

Okiya Omtatah (Busia) asked Kabogo whether the government was considering using satellite technology to ensure universal connectivity for Kenyans.