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Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information and Communication Technology, has announced his ministry’s initiative to propose new legislation aimed at regulating the use of generative AI technologies in Kenya. In addition, Owalo highlighted the ongoing efforts to introduce a digital ID system to improve citizens’ access to both public and private services.
The announcement was made during Owalo’s address to the Senate Committee on ICT in Mombasa this week, as reported by NTV.
Owalo emphasized that the digital ID is a cornerstone of Kenya’s broader digital transformation agenda, which has already seen over 5,000 government services digitized. He noted that the digital ID will significantly reduce the reliance on paper-based processes, which are not only costly and inefficient but also susceptible to errors.
According to Owalo, this new digital ID initiative aims to correct the shortcomings experienced with the Huduma Namba, which faced challenges due to its timing and subsequent public skepticism. He stressed the need for better public engagement this time around to ensure the success and acceptance of the digital ID system.
During his address, Owalo appealed to lawmakers to support a public awareness campaign to communicate the benefits and critical aspects of the new digital identification system.
“Educating Kenyans about the value of digital IDs will be crucial for widespread acceptance,” Owalo responded when queried by a senator.
On the topic of artificial intelligence, Owalo acknowledged the transformative potential of AI but cautioned that careful regulation is necessary to mitigate significant risks. He advocated for a proactive regulatory approach to manage the deployment of AI technologies effectively.
The discussion with the Senate ICT Committee also covered other important aspects such as enhancing digital skills, leveraging private sector capabilities in digital initiatives, and utilizing new digital technologies to improve the quality of life for Kenyans.
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