Kenya urged to pilot AI regulatory Sandbox in bid to lead Africa's digital future

Kenya has been urged to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory sandbox a controlled environment that would allow innovators to test new technologies under guided oversight as part of a broader strategy to position the country as Africa’s leading AI hub.

The proposed 90-day sandbox emerged as a key recommendation during a high-level round-table meeting in Nairobi, where stakeholders explored ways to accelerate investment in compute infrastructure, local talent, data systems and innovation-friendly governance.

Kenya’s Special Technology Envoy, Philip Thigo, said the sandbox approach would help the government avoid stifling a still-maturing sector while enabling real-time learning and responsive policymaking.

He noted that participants drawn from both public and private sectors agreed on the need to strengthen and upskill existing regulatory institutions rather than create new bureaucratic structures.

“The meeting also underscored a growing shift in how African innovation is being framed. Instead of chasing fragile ‘unicorns’, participants called for resilient ‘camels’technology ecosystems built for durability, local realities and long-term value creation,” Thigo said in a post-meeting briefing.

The forum was convened by the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology, Keninvest and American Chamber of Commerce Kenya on the sidelines of the Kenya International Investment Conference 2026.

Participants outlined a forward-looking vision that includes sovereign data centres, localised AI models, interoperable digital public infrastructure and stronger domestic capabilities across the AI value chain. Proposals also suggested situating future data centres within Special Economic Zones, aligned with national energy planning, to leverage Kenya’s renewable energy advantage in building bankable AI infrastructure.

However, Thigo cautioned that infrastructure alone would not secure Kenya’s competitiveness in the global AI economy.

“What we heard today from both industry players and policy makers is that infrastructure alone will not secure Kenya’s place in the AI economy. The country must also invest aggressively in people,” he said.

The discussions highlighted the risks of over-reliance on foreign technical expertise and emphasised the need to develop a robust local pipeline of AI-ready talent. Recommendations included aligning university curricula with industry demands, enhancing AI literacy within the public sector and creating pathways for the Kenyan diaspora to contribute through fellowships and flexible work arrangements.

Participants also explored mechanisms to attract global expertise, including residency and digital nomad visa models.

A recurring theme throughout the forum was the need to democratise access to AI technologies. Stakeholders warned that if AI development remains concentrated among a few firms and elite users, Kenya risks missing a broader opportunity to drive inclusive economic growth and societal transformation.