East African business leaders are urging immediate and widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that companies delaying digital transformation risk losing competitiveness. The call came during a roundtable discussion focusing on AI's impact on jobs, productivity, and leadership in the region.

• The urgency stems from the rapidly evolving digital economy and the need for responsible integration of AI across all organizational levels.
• Key participants included Jane Karuku, Managing Director of East African Breweries Limited, and representatives from SeamlessHR and KPMG East Africa.
• Essential elements for successful AI integration highlighted were comprehensive workforce training, building internal capabilities, and sustained investment in AI tools and technology.

Kenya is bolstering its cybersecurity training programs and recognizing top student talent as part of efforts to enhance national digital security, despite a recent decrease in cyberattacks.

• 3.3 billion cyber threat events were detected between January and March 2026, a 26 percent decline from the previous quarter.
• The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), in partnership with Huawei Kenya, organized the 2026 Cybersecurity Bootcamp finals.
• Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced attacks, highlighting the ongoing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals.

The State Department for Industry is requesting an additional Sh6.978 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to address critical funding gaps in industrial projects and operations.

• The requested funds would increase the department's total budget to approximately Sh17.402 billion in FY2026/27.
• The funds are needed by various entities including County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), and the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).
• A significant portion, Sh3.75 billion, is allocated for CAIPs to equip existing parks with machinery and support their operationalization, preventing potential underutilization.