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Let's prioritise ethical AI deployment
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Kenya stands at a volatile intersection of innovation and authoritarianism. The country is fast embracing generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. But as these digital tools empower a new generation with civic voice and access to information, the State is responding with an iron fist: abductions, censorship, and weaponisation of misinformation.
AI tools have been widely adopted by Kenyan youth to translate legal jargon, generate civic education materials and mobilise against repressive laws like the Finance Bill 2024. AI transformed the legislation into plain language, turning passive observers into active participants.
Protests were no longer confined to Nairobi’s streets—they reverberated through rural WhatsApp groups, TikTok and AI-generated campaign messages. But the same tools that triggered a democratic awakening have also painted digital dissenters as enemies of the state.
The State’s response to digital dissent has extended beyond repression to include outright deception. In February, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei shared a deepfake video of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria praising Kenya’s role in Sudan’s peace process—a complete fabrication. This State-led misinformation not only erodes Kenya’s international credibility but also exposes glaring regulatory double standards. Citizens creating digital satire are abducted; officials spreading deepfakes face no consequence.
Kenya must prioritise ethical AI deployment and safeguards against manipulation, especially as the country moves towards the 2027 polls.
Mr Kamande is a climate policy strategist, AI researcher and technology journalist.