Bridging the Gaps: The Case for Robotics in Kenya’s National AI Strategy 2025–2030

“While the strategy is a positive step for Kenya, it falls short in addressing critical aspects such as the integration of robotics, grassroots outreach programs, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks,”

-Fred Sagwe, Co-founder & CEO of the Robotics Society of Kenya.

The Robotics Society of Kenya enthusiastically welcomes the release of the Kenya National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025–2030. We are proud to have participated in the town hall meetings and online surveys prior to its release. However, we are surprised and disappointed that our contributions were neither acknowledged nor considered.

Image Credit: DALL-E/ChatGPT/Robotics Society of Kenya

Key observations and concerns:

1. Acknowledgment of the Draft Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023
   The national AI strategy validates sections of the Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023, currently under review by the National Assembly Public Petitions Committee. For example, findings in sections such as 3.4 (Legal and Regulatory Environment) and Kenya’s AI Readiness Assessment align with the bill’s objectives. However, UNESCO’s report on Kenya’s AI readiness, which highlights the bill as a positive step in regulatory frameworks, is omitted from the strategy.
2. Stakeholder Analysis (Section 3.7)
   The strategy lists entities like Moringa and AI Kenya but omits the Robotics Society of Kenya. This exclusion disregards our community-oriented and grassroots initiatives, especially in robotics education and outreach, which align with national objectives.
3. Regulatory Gaps (Section 3.8)
   The strategy notes the absence of a comprehensive AI regulatory framework. While existing laws address issues like data protection and cybercrime, they are insufficient for AI-specific challenges. The strategy advocates strengthening policies but undermines the Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023, by suggesting alternative frameworks such as the Draft Information Technology Artificial Intelligence Code of Practice.
4. Education and Outreach
   The strategy emphasizes AI-specific education but lacks a blueprint for grassroots outreach or school-based programs, such as promoting robotics clubs. These initiatives are crucial for building a skilled workforce and bridging the skills gap.
5. Global Comparative Analysis
   Leading countries such as Japan, South Korea, Germany, China, and the United States explicitly incorporate robotics in their AI strategies. This integration addresses societal challenges, fosters innovation, and enhances global competitiveness. Kenya’s omission of robotics in its AI strategy is a missed opportunity to align with global best practices.

Recommendations:

1. Recognize and incorporate contributions from diverse stakeholders, including the Robotics Society of Kenya, to ensure inclusivity.
2. Address the regulatory gaps by supporting the Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023, as a foundation for comprehensive governance.
3. Develop AI-specific curricula and outreach programs for schools and underserved communities to build grassroots capacity.
4. Integrate robotics into the AI strategy, learning from global leaders to leverage its transformative potential.

Conclusion:

The Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023, offers a viable framework to address gaps in the national AI strategy and drive innovation. By aligning its objectives with Kenya’s economic and societal goals, the bill can position the country as a leader in robotics and AI in Africa.

Summary:

The Robotics Society of Kenya welcomes the Kenya National AI Strategy 2025–2030 but is disappointed by the lack of acknowledgment of its contributions and the omission of robotics. The strategy aligns with the Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023, in some areas but overlooks its regulatory potential and UNESCO’s findings on Kenya’s AI readiness. The strategy also lacks grassroots outreach programs and neglects the role of robotics in AI innovation, unlike global leaders. The society urges the inclusion of robotics and comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure Kenya’s global competitiveness in AI and robotics.

Global AI Strategies: The Integration of Robotics for Technological and Economic Advancement

Several countries have developed national AI strategies that explicitly incorporate robotics, recognizing its significance in technological advancement and economic growth. Notable examples include:

• Japan: Japan’s AI strategy emphasizes the integration of AI and robotics to address societal challenges, such as an aging population and labor shortages. The strategy promotes the development of intelligent robots for healthcare, agriculture, and disaster response.
• South Korea: South Korea’s AI strategy includes a focus on robotics, aiming to position the country as a leader in AI and robotics by fostering innovation and supporting the development of service robots and smart factories.
• Germany: Germany’s AI strategy highlights the importance of AI in enhancing robotics and automation, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The strategy supports research and development in AI-driven robotics to maintain the country’s industrial competitiveness.
• China: China’s AI strategy outlines plans to become a global leader in AI and robotics by 2030. The strategy emphasizes the development of intelligent robots for various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
• United States: The U.S. AI strategy acknowledges the role of AI in advancing robotics technologies. It supports initiatives that integrate AI with robotics to enhance capabilities in areas such as defense, healthcare, and transportation.

These strategies reflect a global recognition of the symbiotic relationship between AI and robotics, aiming to leverage their combined potential to drive innovation and address complex challenges across various sectors.

NB:

The omission of robotics in Kenya’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025–2030 could be viewed as a missed opportunity, especially when compared to global leaders and tech giants that have prioritized robotics in their AI frameworks. Here’s a breakdown of the potential implications and considerations:

1. The Case for Including Robotics

• Global Trends: Countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany, the USA, and China have identified robotics as a core component of their AI strategies. This inclusion reflects the growing role of robotics in addressing societal challenges, improving industrial automation, and driving innovation.
• Tech Giants’ Influence: Companies like Tesla, OpenAI, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and NVIDIA have heavily invested in robotics, creating ecosystems where AI and robotics are seamlessly integrated. These efforts underline the strategic importance of robotics in global technological advancements.
• Opportunities for Kenya: Robotics has the potential to transform key sectors in Kenya, such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. By incorporating robotics into the strategy, Kenya could position itself as a competitive player in these domains.

2. Why Kenya Might Have Omitted Robotics

• Resource Constraints: Developing robotics infrastructure requires significant investment in research, talent, and hardware, which may pose a challenge for a developing country.
• Priority Areas: Kenya might have prioritized other AI applications, such as natural language processing (for Swahili and local dialects), fintech, and health tech, which align more closely with immediate national needs.
• Talent Gap: The availability of skilled professionals in robotics may be limited compared to AI-focused disciplines, which could slow progress in this field.

3. Comparative Analysis

• Japan and South Korea: Focus on robotics to address aging populations and labour shortages.
• Germany: Robotics for industrial automation and manufacturing.
• USA and China: Heavy investment in robotics to maintain global leadership in technology.
• Tech Giants: Robotics is seen as a key area for innovation, combining AI with physical systems to solve complex problems.

Kenya’s omission stands out when juxtaposed against these global leaders. By not explicitly incorporating robotics, the country risks lagging in areas where AI-robotics integration is driving significant growth.

4. Recommendations

Kenya should:

• Phase in Robotics: Introduce a roadmap for robotics, starting with targeted applications in agriculture, healthcare, and smart manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Global Leaders: Partner with countries and companies excelling in robotics to access expertise and technology.
• Invest in Education and Research: Develop local talent by introducing robotics and AI programs in universities and technical institutions (Establishment of robotics clubs in schools and communities)
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government and private sector to fund and implement robotics projects.

Conclusion

While the omission of robotics may have been influenced by resource and capacity considerations, it could limit Kenya’s ability to fully leverage AI’s transformative potential. A phased, targeted inclusion of robotics, aligned with Kenya’s economic and societal goals, could strengthen the strategy and enhance its global competitiveness.

Leveraging the Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023, to Bridge Gaps in the National AI Strategy

The Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill, 2023 has the potential to address the omission of robotics in the Kenya National AI Strategy 2025–2030 and mitigate related challenges by establishing a robust framework to integrate robotics into Kenya’s technological ecosystem. Here’s how the bill could help:

1. Policy Framework for Robotics and AI Integration

• Explicit Inclusion of Robotics: The bill can mandate the integration of robotics into Kenya’s broader AI strategy, ensuring it becomes a priority for national development.
• Guidance for Sectoral Application: It can provide a roadmap for deploying robotics in key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
• Legislation-Driven Momentum: By enshrining robotics in law, the bill would create a legal obligation for policymakers and institutions to focus on robotics as a strategic area.

2. Promoting Research and Development (R&D)

• Funding for R&D: The bill can establish a national fund dedicated to robotics and AI research, ensuring financial support for innovations.
• Research Institutions: It can mandate the creation of centers of excellence in robotics and AI, fostering cutting-edge innovation and localized solutions.
• Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between Kenyan universities and global institutions leading in robotics research.

3. Capacity Building and Education

• Skill Development Programs: The bill can mandate the integration of robotics and AI into the education curriculum, from primary to tertiary levels.
• Technical Training Centers: Establish specialized training programs to upskill workers and students in robotics-related fields.
• Encouraging Women and Youth Participation: Promote inclusivity by providing scholarships and incentives for underrepresented groups to join robotics and AI programs.

4. Collaboration with Private Sector

• Public-Private Partnerships: Incentivize private companies to invest in robotics development through tax breaks and subsidies.
• Startup Ecosystem: Establish incubators and accelerators specifically for robotics and AI startups.
• Industry Standards: Collaborate with industry players to set benchmarks for robotics technologies and applications in Kenya.

5. Infrastructure Development

• Testing Facilities: Create robotics testing and certification facilities to ensure locally developed robots meet international standards.
• Smart Manufacturing Labs: Set up labs for prototyping and manufacturing robotics hardware locally.
• Technology Hubs: Expand innovation hubs to include robotics capabilities.

6. International Collaboration and Benchmarking

• Global Partnerships: Facilitate Kenya’s participation in global robotics and AI initiatives, ensuring access to international expertise and funding.
• Learning from Global Strategies: The bill can call for benchmarking against successful robotics initiatives in countries like Japan, Germany, and the USA.

7. Addressing Financial Constraints

• Tax Incentives: Offer tax breaks for companies investing in robotics R&D and manufacturing.
• Grants and Loans: Provide grants or low-interest loans to startups and SMEs working in robotics.
• International Funding: Seek support from global technology funds and development agencies focused on AI and robotics.

8. Regulatory Framework

• Ethical AI and Robotics: Set guidelines for the ethical use of AI and robotics to prevent misuse and ensure societal benefit.
• Standardization and Safety: Define standards for robotics to ensure they are safe and effective for deployment.
• Data and Cybersecurity: Protect data generated by robotics systems, ensuring compliance with Kenya’s data protection laws.

Conclusion

The Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill, 2023, has the potential to catalyze the inclusion of robotics in Kenya’s national agenda. By fostering innovation, building capacity, and creating enabling environments, the bill can help mitigate the challenges of the current AI strategy and position Kenya as a leader in robotics and AI in Africa.

OpenAI’s Blueprint For America-Schools Must Innovate Now

OpenAI’s recently released Economic Blueprint emphasizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in American education. The company advocates for integrating AI tools to personalize learning, enhance teaching efficiency, and democratize access to high-quality education, particularly in under-resourced communities.

The Blueprint underscores the importance of equipping both students and the current workforce with AI-related skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy. This includes technical proficiency in AI development and a broader understanding of its applications across various industries. OpenAI proposes a nationwide AI education strategy, developed in partnership with American companies, to address regional workforce needs and ensure equitable distribution of AI’s economic benefits.

Recognizing potential risks, OpenAI calls for clear policies to protect children from inappropriate content and data misuse, emphasizing the need for ethical safeguards in deploying AI within educational settings.

Additionally, the Blueprint advocates for substantial investment in national research infrastructure, providing educators and innovators with the necessary computational resources and data to accelerate progress and maintain America’s leadership in AI innovation.

While OpenAI’s vision presents significant opportunities, it also raises questions about implementation, ethical considerations, and the balance between national standards and local needs. The Blueprint serves as a call to action for policymakers and educators to thoughtfully integrate AI into education, aiming to enhance individual potential and reinforce America’s position as a global leader in innovation.

Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill,2023

Objects: 3.The object of this Act to provide a framework:

1. to promote and advance the responsible and ethical development and application of robotics and artificial intelligence technologies in Kenya.
2. to develop a national AI strategy that prioritizes the use of Swahili in AI development, the strategy should outline goals, timelines, and resources needed. By creating and expanding African language datasets, Kenya can leverage its many assets, starting with its demographics.
3. to leverage open-source frontier AI models by fostering a collaborative ecosystem. This involves supporting research and development, promoting ethical AI practices, and incentivizing open-source contributions. By building on existing open-source models, Kenya can accelerate AI adoption across sectors, address local challenges like healthcare and agriculture, and develop innovative solutions while avoiding vendor lock-in and reducing costs. Additionally, open-source models can be adapted to Kenyan data and languages, improving their relevance and effectiveness.
4. to promote and advocate for Universal Basic Income (UBI), a government program that provides a regular, unconditional sum of money to all citizens regardless of their other income sources. This could help address job displacement due to automation. As technology advances, especially in artificial intelligence and robotics, many jobs are at risk. UBI can act as a safety net for those who lose their jobs to automation.
5. to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among robotics and AI practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders.
6. to establish and enforce standards and best practices for robotics and AI.
7. to facilitate research, education, and collaboration among practitioners and stakeholders.
8. to promote public awareness and education regarding the benefits and ethical considerations of robotics and AI technologies.
9. to provide training and education in robotics and artificial intelligence.
10. to establish robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) clubs in our schools and institutions with government funding.
11. to establish chess clubs in our schools and institutions funded with government resources.
12. to create a team of master trainers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics by collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), teaching colleges, technical institutions (TVETs), and universities. These trainers will support the industry.
13. to establish AI and robotics curricula and degree courses in Kenyan universities for advancement in the digital age.
14. To enable students to access modern technology such as computers, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI), the proposal includes constructing a Solar-Powered Computer Lab in Shipping Container for Kenyan Learners. This initiative will not only save on electricity costs but also aligns
15. with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, it supports Goal 7, promoting clean energy, and Goal 13, combating climate change.
16. to develop a sandbox policy that is inclusive and addresses all aspects of AI development, with collaboration from stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society.
17. to advocate and promote blockchain technology and digital assets for integration as a key component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, alongside quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and robotics.Blockchain can be applied to manage a country’s shared resources, such as national or county treasuries, to deter corruption and enhance transparency, accountability, and auditability for citizens.
18. to aim to build data centers in every county via public and private partnerships.
19. to set up a Cloud Computing Policy that gives local cloud service providers “a first choice consideration” to host sensitive government data. And how it could benefit the country’s economy.
20. to allocate government grants and funds to startups, community support groups, civil society organizations, and
21. non-governmental initiatives (NGOs) working in AI and robotics.
22. to aim,fund,foster,promote and facilitate the Drones,Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence division within the Ministry of Health.
23. to aim,fund,foster,promote and facilitate the Drones,Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence division within the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry to combat climate change.
24. to aim,fund,foster,promote, and facilitate the drones,robotics,and Artificial Intelligence division within the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development for harnessing and solving problems in the sector and boosting productivity.
25. to promote the use of robotics and artificial intelligence for social and economic development.
26. to set and enforce industry standards and best practices in robotics and AI.
27. to foster public awareness and understanding of robotics and AI technologies.
28. to cooperate with other organizations in Kenya and abroad to promote the field of robotics and artificial intelligence.
29. to ascertain the role of the private sector in the development and use of robotics and AI.
30. to harmonize the regulation of robotics and AI, including the use of AI in decision-making that could impact people’s lives.
31. to check the ethical implications of the development and use of robotics and AI.
32. the bill if the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Bill,2023 is passed and made as the Act,should be reviewed and amended every at least every 5 years duration.Due to the rapid change and development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics industry.

4. Principles

The development and use of robotics and AI in Kenya shall be guided by the following principles:

1. The public good. Robotics and AI shall be developed and used for the benefit of the people of Kenya.
2. Human safety and security. Robotics and AI shall be developed and used in a manner that is safe and secure for humans.
3. Privacy and data protection. The privacy and data protection of individuals shall be respected in the development and use of robotics and AI.
4. Accountability. Those who develop and use robotics and AI shall be accountable for their actions.
5. Diversity and inclusion. The development and use of robotics and AI shall be inclusive of all Kenyans.

Regulations: PART IV REGULATORY PROVISIONS

22.(1)The Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Bill,2023 regulation, takes a risk-based approach:

(a).High-risk AI:

• · Banned: Facial recognition in public spaces, social scoring and AI systems manipulating behavior.
• · Strict requirements: Robust risk assessments, human oversight, data quality and bias checks, transparency measures, and record-keeping.

(a) Moderate-risk AI:

• Transparency obligations: Inform users about AI use and its purpose.
• Risk management measures: Address identified risks with appropriate safeguards.

(b) Low-risk AI:

• Minimal regulations, encouraging innovation.

© General key points:

• Promotes human-centric AI respecting fundamental rights and democracy.
• Establishes independent national supervisory bodies for enforcement.

(d) (i) Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill,2025 (proposed)

(ii) Data Protection Act №24 of 2019.

(iii) The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act №5 of 2018

• Takes effect in two years, allowing time for adaptation.

(e) Sandbox Policy

Develop a sandbox policy that is inclusive and addresses all aspects of AI development, with collaboration from stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society.

European Union’s AI Act

Much like with GDPR, the EU’s AI Act is likely to become the global standard for AI regulation. Risk assessments will likely become standard practice for AI implementation, helping organizations understand the cost-benefit tradeoffs of an AI system and enable them to provide transparency and explainability to impacted stakeholders.

The European Union’s AI Act has significantly influenced global discussions on artificial intelligence regulation. While no countries outside the EU have formally adopted the Act in its entirety, several nations are drawing inspiration from its framework to shape their own AI policies.

For instance, Portugal has developed a national AI strategy that aligns with the EU AI Act, emphasizing a risk-based approach to foster ethical and human-rights-oriented AI. This strategy includes establishing sandboxes — secure environments where AI systems can be tested under public authority supervision before public release — to mitigate risks related to privacy and security.

Similarly, Serbia is preparing to become an EU member and is likely to transpose and issue a law on AI that parallels the AI Act. The Serbian government has also financed AI-related projects to support the development of advanced technologies.

Beyond Europe, countries like China are formulating their own AI regulations, incorporating elements reminiscent of the EU’s approach. China’s draft regulations mandate explicit labeling of AI-generated content to combat misinformation, reflecting a commitment to transparency akin to the EU’s AI Act.

In summary, while the EU AI Act has not been directly adopted by other countries, it serves as a significant reference point, inspiring various nations to develop AI regulations that emphasize ethical considerations, transparency, and risk management.

Global Influence of the EU AI Act on AI Regulations

Both Brazil and South Korea are actively developing comprehensive AI regulations that draw inspiration from the European Union’s AI Act, though they are tailoring their approaches to fit their unique national contexts.

Brazil:

In May 2023, Brazil introduced Bill №2,338/2023, aiming to establish a legal framework for AI development and application within the country. This proposed legislation mirrors the EU AI Act in several ways, notably by adopting a risk-based approach that categorizes AI systems according to different levels of risk. It also emphasizes the protection of fundamental rights and the implementation of secure and reliable AI systems. A distinctive feature of Brazil’s proposal is its rights-based approach, which guarantees individual rights and provides mechanisms for judicial and administrative enforcement. This includes rights to information, transparency, contestation, and human intervention, especially when AI systems have significant impacts or produce legal effects.

South Korea:

In December 2024, South Korea’s National Assembly passed the “AI Basic Act,” positioning the country as the first in Asia to establish a comprehensive legal framework for AI. Set to take effect in January 2026, the AI Basic Act consolidates multiple AI-related proposals into a unified framework. It combines regulatory oversight with measures to boost innovation and competitiveness, including provisions for ethical AI usage, transparency, risk management, and the creation of institutional bodies for oversight and policy guidance. The Act mirrors key themes found in the EU AI Act, such as a risk-based regulatory approach, but is tailored to South Korea’s specific context.

In summary, while neither Brazil nor South Korea has adopted the EU AI Act verbatim, both countries are developing AI regulations that reflect similar principles, adapted to their national circumstances.

About the Robotics Society of Kenya:

The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is a registered non-profit organization (R.54783) based in Kenya. With a mission to promote computing in institutions and communities through robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), physical computing, makerspace, Internet of Things (IoT), STEAM, chess education, and research. We aim to engage with a community of passionate educators, volunteers, partners, and sponsors who bring the benefits of technology to schools, classrooms, and communities in Kenya and beyond.

The Robotics Society of Kenya is dedicated to advancing robotics and AI innovation through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The Society works to position Kenya as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation in Africa.

Resources:

[1.] ICT Authority: Kenya National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025–2030

[2.] Robotics Society of Kenya: Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023

[3.] Facebook. National Assembly of Kenya (Parliament of Kenya): National Assembly Public Petitions Committee

[4.] UNESCO.UNESCO’s report on Kenya’s AI readiness,

[5.] EU AI. European Union’s AI Act

[6.] Medium. Solar-Powered Computer Lab in Shipping Container for Kenyan Learners

[7.] Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi

[8.] Raspberry Pi Foundation. Teach computing and digital making

[9.] International Telecommunications Union (ITU): SDG Digital GameChangers Award.

[10.] ChatGPT. AI Strategy and Robotics

[11.] Medium. The Mombasa County Solar-Powered Computer Labs for Educational and Community Access Bill, 2025.

[12.] Global Teacher Prize. Global Teacher Prize: Chess and Robotics: Two Worlds United

[13.] Daily Nation. How Africa is getting ready for the impending age of robots

[14.] Medium. Advancing STEM Education in Kenya: The Robotics Society of Kenya Calls for the Establishment of Robotics Clubs in Schools and Institutions

“With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon. But robotics and AI together can shape a future where humanity thrives, if harnessed responsibly.”

-Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla, Inc.

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