Two neighbouring East African nations are taking markedly different approaches to artificial intelligence governance. Kenya is moving quickly to position itself as a continental AI hub. Uganda is proceeding more cautiously, prioritising foundational data infrastructure first.
Kenya: ambitious and accelerating
Kenya’s National AI Strategy, finalised in 2024, is one of the most comprehensive AI governance documents produced by any African government. It covers the full spectrum from education and skills to infrastructure, sector applications, ethics, and international positioning.
“Speed without foundations is fragility. The question for Kenya is whether it is building fast enough on both dimensions simultaneously.”
- TiM Research Team
Uganda: deliberate and foundational
Uganda’s approach has been more cautious - focusing first on data governance and digital infrastructure before committing to an AI-specific strategy. The National Data Strategy delivered by TiM in 2024 establishes the data foundations that effective AI requires.
Lessons for the continent
- Sequence matters, but so does pace - foundations and ambition must advance together
- Regional cooperation can amplify national efforts; East Africa needs common AI standards
- Civil society and academia must be genuine partners, not consultees
- International frameworks provide reference points but must be adapted to African contexts
- Enforcement capacity is as important as the quality of regulation on paper