Kenya has committed to strengthening policy frameworks for ethical artificial intelligence (AI) use, expanding digital infrastructure and investing in skills.

This follows deliberations at the Connecting Codes Conference 2026, which brought together government leaders, researchers, academics and international partners in Nairobi.

The conference concluded with a call for increased investment in digital infrastructure, stronger legal and regulatory frameworks to guide the responsible use of AI, and enhanced capacity-building programmes to equip citizens and institutions with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy.

Participants also emphasised the need for inclusive policies that prioritise marginalised communities and deeper collaboration between local and international institutions to advance research, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Held at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) headquarters, the conference focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital humanities and knowledge systems, exploring how emerging technologies can improve access to information while preserving cultural heritage and promoting digital inclusion.

Discussions highlighted Kenya’s growing role as a regional hub for digital innovation and knowledge management.

While participants acknowledged AI’s potential to transform education, healthcare, agriculture, research and public service delivery, they noted that gaps in infrastructure, governance and technical capacity must be addressed to ensure that technological progress benefits all citizens.

Representing the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Principal Secretary for Department of Culture, Arts and Heritage Ummi Bashir, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive digital transformation.

Mr Bashir said Kenya is focused on harnessing emerging technologies to accelerate national development while safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage and ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities.

Chairperson of Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library Committee Daniel Epuyo Nanok called for policies and legislation that keep pace with rapid technological change.

Mr Nanok said parliament has a critical responsibility of creating an environment that encourages innovation while protecting citizens’ rights through strong governance, accountability, transparency, privacy and equity safeguards.

Nanok also underscored the importance of integrating African knowledge systems into digital platforms, warning that the limited representation of local languages, histories and cultural content risks excluding African perspectives from the global digital knowledge ecosystem.

He said libraries, archives, and museums remain central to preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that AI-driven innovation reflects local realities. The conference featured keynote presentations, panel discussions and research sessions examining AI’s role in shaping knowledge systems, promoting digital inclusion, and supporting cultural preservation.

Participants also explored strategies to combat misinformation, reduce algorithmic bias, strengthen literacy and improve access to information across Africa.

The event attracted participants from leading institutions, including the Technical University of Kenya, the University of Kansas, government agencies, researchers and international partners. KNLS hosted the conference as part of its broader mandate to preserve Kenya’s documentary heritage and support the country’s digital transformation and knowledge economy agenda.

The conference laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration among governments, academia, cultural institutions, and technology stakeholders, with organisers expressing confidence that its outcomes will help shape more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable AI and digital knowledge systems in Kenya and across the African continent.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Wangari Ndirangu