KICTANet Driving Digital Rights and AI Governance in Kenya

Greetings. This is a summary of recent key events undertaken by KICTANet,
including a validation meeting for a needs assessment and curriculum for
Human Rights Civil Society Organizations (HR-CSOs), participation in the
Annual Data Privacy Conference 2025 in Eldoret, and a workshop on AI
Statement of Principles.

Additionally, the handover of 150 computers to Mandera County by the UK
Government and KICTANet.

*Key Events*

– *Validation Meeting on Needs Assessment and Curriculum for HR-CSOs
<www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-urgent-call-for-stronger-digital-rights-coalitions/>:*
This virtual meeting focused on identifying critical capacity-building
needs for HR-CSOs to effectively advocate for digital rights. Key findings
will inform the development of a tailored training curriculum to equip
HR-CSOs with the necessary skills and knowledge.

– *Annual Data Privacy Conference in Eldoret:
<www.kictanet.or.ke/celebrating-data-privacy-insights-from-the-annual-privacy-day-conference-2025/>*
This conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss and address
critical data privacy concerns in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of
public awareness, stakeholder collaboration, and strengthening the Office
of the Data Protection Commissioner. If you missed our statement to mark
the day, here it is.
<www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-celebrates-data-privacy-day-2025-safeguarding-personal-data-to-spur-digital-transformation-economic-development/>

– *AI Statement of Principles Workshop:
<www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-emerges-as-a-leader-in-responsible-ai-development/>*
This workshop
<www.kictanet.or.ke/shaping-the-future-of-ai-in-kenya/> focused
on refining Kenya’s approach to AI governance, ensuring ethical, safe, and
inclusive AI development. Key outcomes include the development of ethical
guidelines, addressing algorithmic biases, and exploring the role of AI in
driving economic development and social equity in Africa.

– *Handover of 150 computers to Mandera County by the UK Government and
KICTANet.
<www.kictanet.or.ke/uk-government-kictanet-empowers-mandera-with-150-computers-for-digital-inclusion/>*
This initiative, under the UK’s Digital Access Programme and the
Strengthening Digital Communities Project, aims to bridge the digital
divide and empower local communities in Mandera County. The computers will
provide critical access to technology and information for youth, women,
persons with disabilities, and senior citizens, contributing to Kenya’s
vision of a digitally empowered nation. The 150 computers, equipped with
accessibility features and assistive software, will be strategically
distributed to digital hubs across the county, ensuring equitable access to
all.
– Join our programme to become a community digital champion in Busia and
Mandera under the Strengthening Digital Communities Project that aims to
improve digital skills and access in the country. Here are the application
links: Busia
<docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdodoIZaPgWef04rMHcStjneaN40F-U4cW6c4PzVAJv12YJ3g/viewform>
and Mandera
<docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9hQcXzyt5Arqy8aY8pHSE3UmqCTj3evxHExTDwKvHyAq9Pw/viewform>
.

These events demonstrate KICTANet’s commitment to advancing digital rights,
data protection, and responsible AI governance in Kenya. By fostering
collaboration among stakeholders, conducting research, and developing
targeted training programs, KICTANet is empowering civil society
organizations and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable digital
future for all Kenyans.