Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya is calling on African nations to take the lead in making sure that artificial intelligence improves the lives of citizens and does not harm them.
She spoke at the 2025 Africa Regional workshop on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) in Nairobi, which brought together delegates and military personnel from 17 countries.
“We must ensure that AI enhances our collective security while upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilian populations,” she told attendees.
The meeting aimed to consolidate best practices, advance regulatory and ethical frameworks for AI in defense, and reinforce partnerships among governments and research organizations. Attendees sought to identify Africa-specific AI priorities for peace, security and human rights.
Kenya has emerged as a global leader in the effort to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI. In 2024, it co-hosted the inaugural REAIM conference in South Korea and was one of 60 signatories to a blueprint for AI’s productive use in the military.
Maj. Gen. Joyce Sitienei of the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) told attendees in Nairobi that military learning institutions must help address ethical questions regarding AI and should be incubators for AI innovation and leadership.
“NDU-K’s commitment to responsible AI is ensuring that innovation strengthens our security while safeguarding humanity,” she said. “That is the true measure of leadership.”
Tuya also urged AI sector leaders to include young people in the planning process since they will be most affected by the rapid growth of AI and soon will be responsible for charting its direction.
“If we don’t involve them in the discussions around responsible use of AI, bringing on board the issue of ethical frameworks, human rights and human dignity, then we will continue to see the very concerning, irresponsible use of AI and technology,” Tuya said.