Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations, marking a significant milestone with the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Regional Workshop on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) in Nairobi on Friday, August 29, 2025.

The three-day workshop brought together regional and international experts to deliberate on the integration of AI in the military domain while upholding global peace and security.

Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, who represented Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, lauded the delegates for their “valuable contributions, constructive dialogue, and commitment.”

Commitment to ethical AI integration

He noted that the robust exchanges highlighted AI’s transformative potential in modern defence while underscoring the collective responsibility to safeguard its application. Lt Gen Omenda also praised the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) for providing expertise and technical support that enriched the discussions.

UNIDIR researcher Dr. Yasmin Afina emphasised the importance of regional dialogue in advancing responsible AI use. “Regional dialogue is key to exchanging information, building trust, and creating communities. Capacity building remains the utmost priority, and engagement of multiple stakeholders and communities is essential,” she said.

Spain, which is preparing to host the third REAIM Summit, also shared insights, advocating a human-centered approach to AI. It emphasised that critical military decisions, including the use of force, must always remain under human responsibility and control.

Border security, digital innovation

Parallel to the military AI discussions, Deputy President and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced new measures to modernise Kenya’s border management systems. Speaking at the inaugural National Border Management Conference in Nairobi, he said future border control will leverage AI, data, and digital technologies.

“The border of the future is going to be secure but contact-less, with minimal human interaction for checks and controls,” Kindiki stated. He noted that this would strengthen Kenya’s fight against terrorism, human trafficking, and cross-border crime, while boosting efficiency in the movement of people and goods.

Regional cooperation

The government emphasised that these measures will not be implemented in isolation. Kenya is working closely with neighboring countries including Tanzania, Somalia, and Uganda to ensure a harmonized approach to border management and regional security.

The dual focus on military AI and digital border control reflects Kenya’s broader strategy to embrace technological innovation while safeguarding peace, stability, and human rights.