Kiarie seeks tougher safeguards as AI takes root in Kenya

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

Kiarie, who chairs the National Assembly’s Communications, Information and Innovation Committee, said Parliament must ensure that the development and deployment of AI does not outpace the laws and institutions responsible for protecting Kenyans.

He spoke during a webinar on “Synchronizing AI Innovations: Legislative Interventions Towards Harnessing AI in Africa”, convened by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) and moderated by Parliamentary Joint Services Director-General Clement Nyandiere.

The forum brought together representatives from Parliament, government and the technology sector to examine how Kenya can benefit from AI while addressing risks associated with its growing use.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Parliament must carefully examine how AI is being developed, procured and deployed, particularly where automated systems can influence decisions affecting people’s livelihoods and access to essential services,” Kiarie said.

He said AI was likely to disrupt several sectors, including employment, education, healthcare, financial services, social protection, security and justice.

The discussions also focused on whether existing laws are adequate to address emerging challenges posed by AI or whether new legislation and safeguards are required.

Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) CEO Grace Githaiga said technological advancement should not come at the expense of human rights.

She said Kenya could promote innovation while establishing a governance framework that gives citizens, businesses and public institutions confidence that AI systems are being developed and used responsibly.

Githaiga said AI had fundamentally altered the traditional debate around privacy and data protection.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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