I think we can focus on Chapter 5: Strategic Decisions. There are 7 strategic decisions that include: 1) AI Digital Infrastructure, 2) Data, 3) AI R & D and Innovation, 4)Talent Development, 5) Governance, 6) Investments and 7) Ethics, Equity and Inclusion. Each Strategic Decision has a goal, an ultimate outcome and objectives. Each objective has corresponding flagship projects, intermediate outcomes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). For feedback, one can select one of the Strategic Decisions, pick any of its objectives and flagship projects and make suggestions (providing alternative text with justification). Additionally, for each objective, one can select an intermediate outcome and / or KPIs and make suggestions. One can also provide additional points that should be included in a specific section. For ease of reference, the information is reproduced below: *5.2. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, FLAGSHIP PROJECTS, OUTCOMES, KPIs* *1. AI DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE* *Goal 1: Modernise the national digital infrastructure for AI access and development * *Ultimate Outcome 1: High-capacity digital infrastructure for AI access and development* *Objective 1* *1.1 Invest in the setup and expansion of AI-ready digital infrastructure across the country * *Flagship Projects * 1.1.1 Implement a National Broadband Expansion Program (high-speed internet, 5G networks, etc.) 1.1.2 Build robust edge computing capabilities to support AI research, development, and deployment *Intermediate Outcomes * Increased and uninterrupted access and coverage of broadband connectivity Increased penetration of Edge AI contextualised devices *KPIs* % national broadband connectivity coverage No. of devices that can run AI models on the edge infrastructure *Objective 2* 1.2 Enhance High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters *Flagship Projects * 1.2.1 Build three TIA 942 (ANSI standard) AI-capable data centres within 5 years *Intermediate Outcomes * 1. Increased local compute power 2. Enhance capacity for training models at a local infrastructure level KPIs No. of local data centres meeting the TIA 942s standard (ANSI standard) / (GPUs) % of public sector data centre compute capacity integrated into the AI HPC cluster *Objective 3* 1.3 Increase the supply and use of green energy sources to power AI infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and reducing environmental impact *Flagship Projects * 1.3.1 Review power supply to digital infrastructure and enhance the ratio of green energy *Intermediate Outcomes * Increased % contribution of green energy powering AI infrastructure. *KPIs* % of green energy powering data centres Objective 4 1.4 Develop domestic manufacturing facilities for AI-specific hardware, such as specialised chips and semiconductors, to reduce reliance on foreign technology providers *Flagship Projects * 1.4.1 Establish more local device assembly centres 1.4.2 Establish a national semiconductor manufacturing facility to produce AI-specific chips domestically within five years 1.4.3 Leverage on AfCTA and regional regulatory frameworks and incentives for regional trade to support the manufacturing sector *Intermediate Outcomes * Reduced cost of smart devices utilised in the AI lifecycle Increased availability of semiconductors for use locally Export semiconductors regionally and continentally New jobs from technology assembly and manufacturing *KPIs* Decrease in average cost of a computing device Number of semiconductors manufactured Number of semiconductors exported No. of new jobs in technology assembly and manufacturing *Objective 5* 1.5 Establish robust national cybersecurity infrastructure *Flagship Projects * 1.5.1 Establish a multistakeholder taskforce within the proposed NSOC framework to respond to AI-specific emerging threats 1.5.2 Implement advanced AI- specific threat detection and response systems across critical sectors *Intermediate Outcomes * Enhanced national information security through advanced AI-specific threat detection and response systems across critical sectors *KPIs* 100% pass rate on cyber security audits and effective resolutions of detected threats *Objective 6* 1.6 Forge partnerships and collaborations to develop and improve AI hardware and software *Flagship Projects * 1.6.1 Create partnerships with other countries and global tech companies for knowledge transfer and development of digital infrastructure development for AI 1.6.2 Create collaborations between the government and the private sector to ensure that AI technology supply chains remain robust and innovative 1.6.3 Create partnerships with global tech companies to combat AI threats emerging from misinformation and disinformation *Intermediate Outcomes * Implemented PPP projects *KPIs* 2 PPP projects in the next 5 years *2. DATA * *Goal 2: *Establish a robust and sustainable data ecosystem for AI and innovation *Ultimate Outcome 2: *Enhanced dataset quality, useability, shareability and sovereignty *Objective 1* 2.1 Create a robust and responsive data governance framework *Flagship Projects * 2.1.1 Develop a national data policy and strategy informed by best practices 2.1.2 Create a legal sharing framework for all stakeholders to share data with appropriate incentives 2.1.3 Establish an AI-task force within the proposed Data Governance Office Coordination Committee with representation from key data actors in selected in MCDAs, counties (CoG), private sector and civil society representatives, a Data Governance Office in the Ministry, and Data Officers 2.1.4 Enhance data residency requirements and ensure compliance with national data laws and regulations regarding data handling and storage 2.1.5 Classify, categorise and regulate access to data collected within Kenya and from Kenyans *Intermediate Outcomes * 1. Enhanced assessment of data sovereignty KPIs Comprehensive national data policy and strategy adopted % reduction in data silos in the public sector % of locally produced data meeting the standards of sovereignty % compliance with national data laws and regulations *Objective 2* 2.2 Develop and implement secure data sharing, data access and data interoperability protocols *Flagship Projects * 2.2.1 Create comprehensive national standards and protocols for data and metadata to ensure consistency and facilitate seamless data integration and exchange across government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as well as the private sector 2.2.2 In compliance with relevant laws, incentivize data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders, including private sector, research institutions, government agencies, and civil society organisations 2.2.3 Implement data initiatives (within guardrails/frameworks to prevent misuse and restricted national access and controlled cross border data flows) 2.2.4 Develop and implement secure data access frameworks that use encryption and authentication to safeguard sensitive data while allowing for wider accessibility *Intermediate Outcomes * 1. Increased data sharing and access *KPIs * No. of local datasets openly shared in compliance with national laws and policies No. of formal data sharing agreements between institutions *Objective 3* 2.3 Incentivize the creation of open high quality AI training datasets *Flagship Projects * 2.3.1 Design and implement national data quality standards and protocols for data collection, cleaning, validation, and integration across sectors 2.3.2 Create local data labs with clean, validated, and integrated datasets for access by researchers and AI model developers *Intermediate Outcomes * 1. Enhanced quality datasets for AI training *KPIs* % of usable datasets for AI models training Number of local data labs for AI training datasets *3. AI R&D AND INNOVATION * *Goal 3: *Drive the development of cutting-edge localised AI models and solutions through a thriving local R&D and innovation *Ultimate Outcome 3: *Increased contribution of AI businesses to GDP in priority sectors *Objective 1* 3.1 Enhance and expand AI research capabilities at universities, TVETs, research centres, and innovation hubs across Kenya *Flagship Projects * 3.1.1 Nurture R&D for public sector innovation 3.1.2 Establish AI research centres of excellence and innovation clusters across different regions 3.1.3 Engage the young workforce to advance research and development through research programs with more local innovation 3.1.4 Establish partnerships between academia, industry, and government to facilitate AI R&D, innovation and evaluation *Intermediate Outcomes * Accelerated local AI R&D and innovation capacity *KPIs* No. of published AI journal papers from local authors Number of patents, trademarks and copyrights registered for AI *Objective 2* 3.2 Launch and implement an AI Innovators Program that fosters a robust innovation ecosystem for cutting-edge AI model experimentation *Flagship Projects * 3.2.1 Position Kenya as a regional hub for localised AI model development 3.2.2 Enhance science parks and innovation districts to attract and support tech and AI companies and startups 3.2.3 Upgrade tech hubs to provide mentorship and incubation services 3.2.4 Develop and use local data sources for AI development ultimately building AI models tailored to priority local problems 3.2.5 Prioritise the development of AI models that solve pressing social problems and are inclusive, focusing on edge and small AI models *Intermediate Outcomes * 2. Increased AI entrepreneurs in the AI innovation ecosystem 3. Increased local AI models KPIs No. of AI entrepreneurs % of AI models addressing local challenges *Objective 3* 3.3 Develop the market for local AI solutions *Flagship Projects * 3.3.1 Promote adoption and commercialization of locally developed AI solutions by creating regional and global market access opportunities 3.3.2 Incentivize local and regional markets to purchase locally manufactured AI products 3.3.3 Review Public Procurement Regulations to ensure that the Government prioritises the procurement of locally developed AI products 3.3.4 Incentivize edge AI model development and innovations *Intermediate Outcomes * Expanded markets for local AI solutions *KPIs* % of market penetration for local AI solutions in Kenya No. of new regional markets for local AI solutions *Objective 4* 3.4 Create an enabling environment for local AI companies to start and scale *Flagship Projects * 3.4.1 Create collaborative AI innovation hubs 3.4.2 Create incubation and acceleration opportunities for new AI startups 3.4.3 Develop an AI resource toolkit for startups to provide resources on online platforms (e.g. access to data centres, access to public data, free cloud credits and development tools to 500 AI startups) *Intermediate Outcomes * Enhanced commercialization of local AI models New AI jobs in model development *KPIs* No. of local AI models commercially deployed in priority sectors No. of jobs created with AI models *4. TALENT DEVELOPMENT * *Goal 4: *Build a robust pipeline of competent and agile AI workforce for Kenya *Ultimate Outcome 4: *Robust pipeline of competent and agile AI workforce *Objective 1* 4.1 Integrate AI and data science education into school curricula at all levels *Flagship Projects * 4.1.1 Develop an AI awareness and foundational skills awareness for schools 4.1.2 Roll out the AI awareness and foundational skills curricula in schools 4.1.3 Develop and implement as Training program for AI trainers program across different levels *Intermediate Outcomes * Enhanced awareness of AI skills Enhanced foundational AI skills *KPIs* No. of primary schools running AI and data awareness courses No. of secondary school with foundational AI and data skills training *Objective 2* 4.2 Develop AI talent to meet emerging demands of the AI ecosystem *Flagship Projects * 4.2.1 Develop and implement common courses on AI in tertiary education 4.2.2 Design and implement industry-driven quality specialised training programs that nurture local AI/data talent to meet industry needs (includes cybersecurity) 4.2.3 Develop and implement an AI training of trainers (AI TOT) program 4.2.4 Incentivize the development of AI talent 4.2.5 Create partnerships for AI talent development and placement 4.2.6 Create a policy for knowledge and skills transfer for specialised skills in implementing complex AI projects 4.2.7 Map AI talent for relevance and gaps *Intermediate Outcomes * Enhanced deep AI and data skills *KPIs* ● % of workforce who achieve advanced AI and data certifications ● No. of universities with common courses on AI and data ● No. of TVET institutions with common courses on AI and data *Objective 3* 4.3 Create partnerships for AI talent development and placement *Flagship Projects * 4.3.1 Create a mentorship, apprenticeship and career development program to ensure desired growth 4.3.2 Enhance the Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP) and the Public Service Internship Program (PSIP) to allow for specialisation in AI and Data Analytics 4.3.3 Partner with existing innovation hubs and research centres regionally and globally to enhance access to postgraduate opportunities in AI 4.3.4 Implement PPPs in talent development *Objective 4* 4.4 Acquire quality foreign AI talent *Flagship Projects * 4.4.1 Develop and implement a national AI talent acquisition program to fill gaps 4.4.2 Review foreign policy regarding work visas to prioritise AI talent acquisition *Intermediate Outcomes * Increased AI capacity in Kenya *KPIs* No. of foreign AI professionals acquired *5. GOVERNANCE * *Goal 5: *Establish an agile governance and adaptable legal framework for AI *Ultimate Outcome 5: *Agile governance and adaptable legal framework for AI *Objective 1* 5.1 Develop a harmonised national policy framework for AI and emerging technologies *Flagship Projects * 5.1.1 Develop a national AI and emerging technologies policy that aligns with the AI strategy 5.1.2 Develop a national cybersecurity policy *Intermediate Outcomes * 1. Smooth implementation of AI and emerging technology projects *KPIs * No. of policies implemented that form a harmonised framework for AI and emerging technology. *Objective 2* 5.2 Develop risk and safety frameworks to govern AI development and deployment (technical) *Flagship Projects * 5.2.1 Develop local ethical and safety standards in AI development and deployment 5.2.2 Implement AI ethical and safety standards through conformity assessment schemes and technical specifications/regulations 5.2.3 Develop a national AI risk and safety institute *Intermediate Outcomes * 2. Enhanced risk and safety standards for trustworthy AI development and employment. *KPIs* No. of ethical and safety standard policies and regulations adopted. *Objective 3* 5.3 Revise and develop agile legal and regulatory frameworks to meet the demands of AI *Flagship Projects * 5.3.1 Review relevant legislations (employment and labor relations, IP, computer misuse and crimes, etc.) to reflect the demands of the AI and emerging technology 5.3.2 Harmonize East and Central Africa data laws, tax laws, cyber security laws for secure and compliant cross-border data transfer and to enhance competitiveness in AI 5.3.3 Proactively implement a soft regulatory framework for AI 5.3.4 As AI matures in Kenya, develop an AI and Emerging Technology Act and regulations 5.3.5 Develop a flexible regulatory environment through the use of regulatory sandboxes to inform the development of AI regulatory framework and standards *Intermediate Outcomes * 3. Enhanced conformity of legislation and regulations to meet dynamic development of AI and emerging technology. *KPIs* No. of laws reviewed and enacted to meet the context of AI and emerging technology. *Objective 4* 5.4 Pursue collaborative intra- and inter-government, non-governmental, and private sector AI governance approaches *Flagship Projects * 5.4.1 Develop and implement an AI and emerging tech diplomacy program 5.4.2 Promote regional and international cooperation to share knowledge, align AI standards and collaborate on AI challenges ensuring Kenya’s active participation in regional and global AI and emerging tech ecosystem 5.4.3 Enhance participation in AI policy making and programming processes to include the public, developers and consumers *Intermediate Outcomes * Enhanced partnerships and collaborations in AI and emerging tech Enhanced public support and buy-in of AI policies and programs *KPIs* No. of government led AI programs that target public buy-in of policies and programs. *6. INVESTMENTS * *Goal 6: Strategically accelerate public and private investments in AI * *Ultimate Outcome 6: Increased investments in AI* *Objective 1* 6.1 Incentivize investments in AI from both local and foreign private investors *Flagship Projects * 6.1.1 Leverage on PPPs to advance investment in localised AI and tech solutions (e.g. public and private sector partnering with Venture Capital firms) 6.1.2 Review and update AI policy and regulatory frameworks to create a favourable investment environment for AI development 6.1.3 Incentivize pension funds, public capital markets, and local and international private sector to invest in the local AI R&D and innovation ecosystem 6.1.4 Implement through PPPs an investor education program to train at least 1,000 potential investors on evaluating and investing in AI solutions *Intermediate Outcomes * Increased investments in the AI ecosystem *KPIs * Amount of investments flowing into the 100 promising AI-related ventures (US$ m) Amount of private sector investments in government-led AI initiatives (US$ m) *Objective 2* 6.2 Re-orient public resource allocation to prioritise investments in AI *Flagship Projects * 6.2.1 Create a national AI and emerging tech innovation fund (from the R&D 2% of GDP in NRF) to provide grants and financial support in AI development 6.2.2 Create AI Special Economic Zones (SEZs) *Intermediate Outcomes * Growth in the local tech/AI ecosystem *KPIs* No. of AI startups in SEZs No. of AI startups funded with at least $10m in 5 years *Objective 3* 6.3 Position Kenya as an investment destination for AI *Flagship Projects * 6.3.1 Market Kenya as an investment destination for AI 6.3.2 Promote success stories to showcase at least 50 successful tech startups, inspiring investment in the AI sector *Intermediate Outcomes * Increased foreign direct investment (FDI) for AI *KPIs* Amount of FDI into AI SEZs No. of success stories of AI investment *7. ETHICS, EQUITY AND INCLUSION * *Goal 7: *Foster a culture of ethical, equitable, and inclusive AI development and deployment *Ultimate Outcome 7: *Enhanced ethicalness, equity and inclusiveness of AI solutions *Objective 1* 7.1 Promote ethical, responsible and inclusive AI development and deployment *Flagship Projects * 7.1.1 Establish a mandatory ethical impact assessment process for AI technologies for public sector 7.1.2 Update and develop guidelines for accountable public sector AI procurement and deployment 7.1.3 Develop sector-specific standards and requirements on ethical AI development and deployment that are aligned to the national values and includes vulnerable groups 7.1.4 Develop a complaints and redress mechanisms for citizens to report AI-related concerns (e.g. CAJ/Ombudsman) *Intermediate Outcomes * 1. More humancentric, safer and inclusive AI solutions *KPIs* Reduction in reported No. of incidents involving unsafe or harmful AI behaviours (such as data breaches, privacy violations, etc.) *Objective 2* 7.2 Promote inclusivity and national values in AI development and deployment *Flagship Projects * 7.2.1 Implement data labelling and classification policies that address bias 7.2.2 Develop an ethical framework and define ethical principles and considerations 7.2.3 Sponsor and spearhead inclusivity in the data value chain 7.2.4 Maintain a public repository of ethical AI use-cases and best practices to guide development and deployment of AI in the country *Intermediate Outcomes * 2. Demonstrated tangible benefits of AI solutions for all Kenyans *KPIs* Increased % of representative datasets No. of ethical AI use-cases *Objective 3* 7.3 Enhance public AI literacy *Flagship Projects * 7.3.1 Launch a public awareness campaign on AI rights, disinformation, misinformation, protection and safe development 7.3.2 Educate policymakers and civil servants on ethical, equitable and inclusive AI *KPIs* Increase in Number of public awareness campaigns and training workshops on inclusive AI On Fri, Jan 17, 2025 at 9:05 AM David Indeje via KICTANet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers,
The* Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy* (MoIC&DE) through the *AI Steering Committee* is in the process of developing the *Kenya AI National Strategy <https://ict.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-01/Kenya%20National%20AI%20Strategy%20(Draft)%20for%20Public%20Validation%20%20%5B14-01-2025%5D.pdf>*. The Strategy aims to enable the country to harness the transformative potential of AI to drive the country's socio-economic development.
In accordance with the requirements of the constitution of Kenya, which mandates public participation in policy making, the ministry has invited members of the public, stakeholders and all interested parties to submit their reviews, comments and recommendations on the draft strategy which will inform its review. *KICTANet <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/>* is a key stakeholder and would like to provide feedback.
As a valued member of KICTANet community, you are requested to spend a few minutes on the AI Strategy and provide your feedback using the following template that was provided by the MoIC&DE. KICTANet will then compile your feedback and forward them to the ministry.
Our focus areas will be on:
CHAPTER 4: AI STRATEGY FOUNDATIONS
This chapter outlines the foundational principles and key pillars that form the basis of the Kenya National AI Strategy. It establishes the framework within which AI will be developed, deployed, and governed in Kenya, ensuring that AI technologies align with the country’s national priorities and ethical standards.
The foundations of the strategy are designed to foster a robust, inclusive, and sustainable AI ecosystem, enabling Kenya to harness the transformative potential of AI for socio-economic development. The chapter also addresses the importance of building strong governance frameworks, enhancing digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and ensuring that AI benefits all segments of society, particularly marginalized and underserved communities. Through these foundational elements, the strategy aims to position Kenya as a leader in AI innovation and ethical AI practices in Africa and globally.
CHAPTER 5: STRATEGIC DECISIONS Chapter 5 presents the strategic decisions that will guide the implementation of the Kenya National AI Strategy. It outlines the key actions and initiatives that will drive the development and deployment of AI technologies across various sectors of the economy. These strategic decisions are designed to address critical areas such as AI governance, capacity building, infrastructure development, and fostering innovation.
The chapter emphasizes the importance of aligning AI efforts with national development goals, ensuring that AI contributes to the country’s sustainable growth while upholding ethical standards. Identifying priority areas for AI implementation and setting clear milestones, this chapter serves as a roadmap for the successful realization of Kenya's AI vision, ensuring that the country remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.
Kindly share your comments or you can alternatively use this Google Form. https://forms.gle/nuxMsLgA7YEQ1XDM6
-- *Kind Regards,*
*David Indeje*
*@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________
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