Kenyan Senate Committee Rejects Artificial Intelligence Bill, Urges National AI Policy First

Kenya's Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Technology has recommended that the House not proceed with the Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, sponsored by nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.

The committee, chaired by Senator Allan Chesang, considered submissions from 143 stakeholders. Members warned that the bill's penalties, which included fines of up to KES 5 million or a share of annual turnover, plus criminal liability and prison terms of up to two years for offences such as harmful deepfakes, could stifle innovation and deter investment.

The committee recommended finalising a national AI policy before introducing legislation. The Ministry of ICT pointed to the National Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Policy, 2026.

Reports differ on whether the bill is shelved or sent back for redrafting, and a full Senate vote has not been confirmed. For other African countries drafting AI laws, the episode shows how the balance between regulation and innovation is still being contested.