Kenya has secured a stronger position in the global conversation on responsible artificial intelligence following the appointment of technology leader Michael Michie Kamau as the country’s Responsible AI Governor by the Global Council for Responsible AI (GCRAI). The role places Kenyan expertise closer to international discussions that will influence how AI is governed, assessed and deployed.
The appointment comes as Kenya continues to develop its AI sector through policy, skills development, infrastructure and investment. Businesses and public institutions are also increasing their use of AI tools, making responsible deployment an increasingly important part of the country’s digital development.
Michie brings more than 14 years of experience across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, data privacy, digital transformation and technology policy. He has also contributed to Kenya’s AI Policy and National AI Strategy 2025–2030, including work focused on infrastructure, investment and intellectual property.
Speaking about his appointment, Michie said he was honoured to take on the role at a time when Kenya and the wider continent are moving from discussions about AI towards practical implementation. He stressed that responsible AI would require more than access to technology, highlighting the importance of technical capacity, infrastructure, skills and systems that can identify and manage risks.
Building Capacity for Responsible AI
Michie’s experience in both policy and technology places him in a position to contribute to discussions around the practical challenges that come with wider AI adoption.
He is involved in AI training and awareness programmes for Kenya’s Council of Governors, helping public-sector leaders understand potential applications of AI as well as the risks that come with its use. This work is particularly relevant as government institutions explore ways to use AI to improve services, operations and decision-making.
His work also extends into AI safety and evaluation. Michie represents Kenya in the International Network for Advanced AI Measurement, Evaluation and Science, where his areas of focus include cybersecurity, prompt injection, multilingual AI models, AI ethics and AI system evaluation.
That combination of technical and policy experience is important as Kenya moves towards putting AI policies into practice. It also gives Michie a broader understanding of the issues businesses, governments and technology developers will need to address as AI becomes more widely used.
Giving Africa a Stronger Voice in AI Governance
Beyond Kenya, Michie sees the new position as an opportunity to increase Africa’s participation in international discussions about AI standards and governance.
He said African countries should have a role in shaping global AI frameworks rather than simply adopting standards developed elsewhere.
“I want to use this position to ensure that African countries are not simply adopting standards developed elsewhere, but are actively shaping how AI is governed globally, informed by our own realities, risks and ambitions,” he said.
Through the GCRAI appointment, Michie is expected to bring Kenyan and wider African perspectives into discussions covering AI governance, infrastructure, data, cybersecurity, skills and access to AI capabilities.
For Kenya, the appointment provides an additional platform to contribute to international AI policy while strengthening the focus on responsible adoption at home. As businesses and public institutions expand their use of AI, the role could also help connect global governance discussions with the practical realities facing organisations across Kenya and the wider African market.
