Kenya Artificial Intelligence Bill Proposes New Regulator, Risk-Based Rules

Kenya’s Senate is deliberating on the Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, aimed at creating the country’s first comprehensive AI regulation framework.
The bill proposes the establishment of the Office of the Artificial Intelligence Commissioner, which will oversee AI systems, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance.
Similar to the EU’s AI Act, the bill adopts a risk-based classification for AI systems, targeting high-risk areas like healthcare, education, and finance, which would undergo human rights impact assessments and algorithmic transparency requirements.
The bill outlines penalties including fines of up to 1 million Kenyan shillings ($7,700) and imprisonment for violations, particularly targeting the unlawful use of deepfakes or deployments of high-risk AI systems without proper assessments.
The legislation is required to pass both houses of Parliament and be signed by President William Ruto to become law. It follows a High Court directive urging the government to address AI regulation delays.

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