About 60 countries endorsed the blueprint for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military, which was voted on at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain conference in South Korea in 2024. Kenya was a co-host of the event and has been a continental leader advocating for the need for rigorous risk assessments and human oversight of AI operations.
“We are committed to continue engaging in the process of developing the UN resolution on Responsible AI in the Military Domain [REAIM] which underscores the need to ensure that the development, deployment and use of AI promotes peace, security, and human dignity,” Kenyan Defence Minister Soipan Tuya said in a post on X. “Kenya is equally steadfast in her commitment to implementing the REAIM Blueprint for Action, which advocates for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI development.”
The document emphasizes preventing AI from being used to proliferate weapons of mass destruction by malign actors, including terrorist groups. It underscores the need for human control and involvement, particularly in the deployment of nuclear weapons. Neither China nor Russia endorsed the document.
Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans told Reuters that the latest document is more “action-oriented” than previous ones. It outlines what risk assessments should be conducted before AI is used, the need to establish conditions such as maintaining human control, and the importance of developing confidence-building measures to manage risks.
“We are making further concrete steps,” Brekelmans said. “Last year … was more about creating shared understanding; now we are getting more towards action.”
In June 2024, Kenya hosted the inaugural African Regional Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Military workshop in Nairobi. During the event, Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Charles Kahariri spoke about the power of AI to improve the decision-making process of security professionals and enhance national security efforts.
“Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs the use of AI in military operations is essential,” Kahariri said, according to Kenyan Foreign Policy. “Building local capabilities to develop, deploy and regulate AI is crucial.”