Thursday, 3 July, 2025
ICT Committee commits to advancing digital diplomacy and ai innovation
Parliament Buildings, Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025.
The National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation (ICT) has committed to leverage on digital diplomacy and AI opportunities to accelerate the country's economic growth.
This commitment was made during a meeting with the Special Envoy to Kenya on Technology Ambassador Philip Thigo.
The Committee's chairperson and Dagoretti South MP. Hon. John Kiarie underscored the importance of equipping the MPs with the AI digital literacy skills in advancing their legislative role.
"I intend to engage the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training to ensure that Members of Parliament are well versed with AI and emerging technologies," said Hon. Kiarie.
During the engagement, the Committee sought over aching responses on Kenya's positioning in the AI eco system, identified the existing legislative gaps and examined the potential opportunities for AI to Kenyans.
While addressing the Committee's concerns, Ambassador Thigo reaffirmed his support in digital leadership, noting plans to train the Constituencies Development Fund Managers on the use of Tik Tok and Meta to enhance development and engagement with constituents.
"AI has the potential to drive economic growth, scale innovation and create high value opportunities while addressing our challenges and promoting cultural preservation and integration," said Amb. Thigo.
He cited a global study that ranks Kenya highly in ICT regulations with a score of 93/100, securing the continent's top position and placed at number 20 world wide despite the 42% internet connectivity rate.
Ambassador Thigo asked the Committee to advocate for the relocation of data centres to the Special Economic Zones and push for investment in the data infrastructure sector.
He also urged the Committee to engage Telcos on bringing down the cost of data, quality of connectivity and enhance access to digital devices.
To conclusively engage in Shaping the Future Technology Governance, the Committee committed to soon engage the Ambassador at length.