Digital Leap or Digital Trap? Kenya’s Governance Gap in the AI Era

26/10/2025 5 min
Digital Leap or Digital Trap? Kenya’s Governance Gap in the AI Era

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian explores the complexities of Kenya’s digital revolution, discussing its impact on Artificial Intelligence (AI) transformation within the country. He discusses how the Data Protection Act of 2019 and the National AI Strategy have laid the groundwork to make data privacy a constitutional right and establish Kenya as a leader in ethical data governance. However, while the strategies promise a transformative future, Brian points out the contradictions inherent in their enforcement, highlighting the gaps between the vision and implementation of digital laws. He further delves into the topic of the Maisha Namba digital identity project as a case study, underscoring the misuse of personal data in Kenya. Lastly, he acknowledges how civil society organizations like Haki na Sheria and the Katiba Institute continue to challenge the government's persistence in pushing forward with contentious projects. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/why-it-experts-want-state-to-reject-the-new-robotics-bill--4516274#:~:text=The%20functions%20of%20the%20Kenya,to%20two%20years%2C%20or%20both.Nairobi To Host The World On Data Privacy in 2027: Big Tech, Big Policy, Big Moment - Indepth Research InstituteAdvocates pick privacy, inclusion holds in Kenya’s Maisha Namba digital ID system | Biometric UpdateLift order not permit to print Maisha Namba cards, State told

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