opening session of the a consultative Seminar on Harnessing Artificial
Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Security, Cooperation and Resilience in
Nairobi/IGAD
ICT and Digital Economy CS William Kabogo has said that Artificial
Intelligence must be used as a bridge to opportunities.
Speaking at the opening session of the a consultative
Seminar on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Security,
Cooperation and Resilience in Nairobi, Kabogo said that it should not in
any way to deepen inequalities or a digital divide.
He also insisted that the people must be at the centre of
these innovations.
“As we explore the vast potential of AI, we must keep people
at the centre of our efforts. Technology must not deepen inequalities. AI
should not become the next digital divide—it must be a bridge to opportunity,”
Kabogo said.
The seminar was organised by the Intergovernmental Authority
on Development (IGAD), under its Security Sector Programme.
He went on to say that Kenya’s digital transformation is
designed to empower all.
“In Kenya, we are intentional about inclusivity. Our digital
transformation is designed to empower all Kenyans, particularly women, youth,
and marginalised communities. We champion Afro-centric and ethical AI, aligned
with our constitutional values, human rights, and social norms.”
The Cabinet Secretary noted that IGAD member states are
united by a shared digital transformation journey—one that is rapidly changing
how governments deliver services, how businesses operate, and how our citizens
interact.
He said this comes with greater risks, which can only be solved
by innovation, even as he called for harmonisation of cybersecurity frameworks,
development of interoperable digital protocols, and building trust-based
mechanisms for real-time intelligence sharing and cyber incident response.
“We are living in an era where digital technologies have
become essential to economic growth, governance, national security, and social
cohesion. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it is
reshaping how we live, work, and relate,” Kabogo said.
“Here in Kenya, under the leadership of President William Ruto,
we have placed digital transformation at the heart of our national development
agenda.”
Kabogo said earlier on in 2025, the government launched
Kenya’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025– 2030) that provides a
structured, ethical, and inclusive approach to building a responsible AI ecosystem.
He said AI’s transformative impact is already being seen in
agriculture, education, public health, and digital governance.