Kenya is set to push an ambitious technology agenda at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), with artificial intelligence governance, digital resilience, investment and technological capacity expected to feature prominently.
Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, outlined the agenda during a media briefing in Nairobi alongside Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’oei and Government Spokesperson Charles Owino.
The UN General Assembly’s 81st session opened on September 8, 2026, while the high-level general debate is scheduled to begin on September 22 in New York. The session is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Thigo said President William Ruto will use Kenya’s participation to advance discussions around AI governance and safety, investment, resilience and the development of stronger technological capabilities in Africa.
A key engagement will see Ruto and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb co-chair a high-level roundtable on “AI Middle Powers and Shared Sovereignty.” The discussions are expected to focus on how countries can strengthen their agency across the AI value chain, including infrastructure, computing, data, models, talent and institutions.
Thigo argued that no single country controls the entire AI technology stack, making greater national and regional capacity important for countries seeking a stronger role in the development and governance of emerging technologies.
Kenya will also join France, Spain and Australia in advancing the Coalition for Children’s Rights and Protection in the Age of AI.
The country is expected to participate in discussions under the “Governing at the Speed of AI” initiative, focusing on international coordination, AI evaluation and preparedness for crises linked to rapidly developing technologies.
Climate resilience is another component of Kenya’s technology agenda. Thigo said the country is seeking to connect artificial intelligence, satellite information and climate data to early-warning and response systems as Africa prepares for climate risks associated with the 2026–2027 El Niño.
At the Unstoppable Africa forum, Ruto is expected to take part in a Presidential Fireside Chat on “Building a Digital Nation,” where Kenya’s experience in connectivity and digital public infrastructure will be highlighted, alongside the use of technology to improve services, create jobs and attract investment.
The President is also expected to engage Cisco leadership and Kenya’s Ministry of Defence on the development of a proposed regional AI Centre of Excellence. The initiative is aimed at strengthening capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.
The technology agenda comes as AI governance becomes an increasingly prominent issue at the United Nations. UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman has called for inclusive international cooperation on AI governance, including greater access to AI infrastructure, data and skills, alongside stronger safety and accountability measures.
Kenya will also host the Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi in December, bringing together international stakeholders to discuss internet and digital governance in the age of artificial intelligence.
