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- The Nairobi-based Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Association has proposed jail terms of up to 24 months, fines of up to 1 million Kenyan shillings ($6,250), or both, for unlicensed artificial intelligence and robotics entities.
- In a bill titled the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society of Kenya Bill 2023, entities are described as unlicensed if they have not registered their robotics and artificial intelligence ventures with the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK).
- Information technology (IT) professionals and institutions in Kenya have strongly opposed the bill on the grounds that it will have a restrictive effect on Kenya’s technology ecosystem.
In a bill of parliament, the bill also seeks to formally establish the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Association, a body to regulate the use of robotics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the country.
The association will also enforce compliance by relevant companies and provide advice to the Kenyan government on emerging trends in artificial intelligence and robotics.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) aims to serve as a governing body for robots and artificial intelligence, much like the Kenya Bar Association oversees legal practice in the East African country.
The regulator hopes to promote the responsible and ethical development and use of robotics and artificial intelligence technologies in Kenya, while promoting collaboration among robotics and artificial intelligence practitioners, researchers and stakeholders.
“The association may grant the requested license upon such terms and conditions as the members of the county executive committee deem appropriate,” reads part of the bill.
The bill was introduced in Kenya’s parliament in November 2023, triggering intense debate in the country’s artificial intelligence and robotics circles.
Several IT experts have asked the government to ignore the proposal as it has too many glaring flaws
The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), led by Alex Gakuru, Director of the Information Technology Law Center, explained to the Communications, Information and Innovation (CII) Committee of the Kenyan Parliament that the bill, if enacted, would be detrimental to digital progress.
At a meeting to mark International Safer Internet Day 2024, the delegation revealed to the committee chaired by South Dagoretti MP John Kiarie that Kenya’s artificial intelligence and robotics community was not involved in the drafting of the bill at any time. It also recommended that Parliament withdraw the bill pending further consultations with stakeholders.
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Furthermore, AI Kenya, a private initiative advocating for the democratization and development of data science and robotics in the country, described the bill as “a serious threat to innovation and growth in the vibrant technology ecosystem.”
Stressing the need for well-thought-out laws to regulate artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging technologies, Elizabeth Mutua, a lecturer at Kenyan University of Science and Technology, Dankimati, called on the government to reject the bill as it is just another avenue for the country to survive without proper artificial intelligence legislation. Case support for new offices and levies.
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