Kenya and AI company Anthropic have signed a Joint Declaration establishing a framework for cooperation on responsible artificial intelligence development and practical AI applications. The agreement was signed in New York on September 22, 2026, during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

• The cooperation will focus on AI skills and capacity building, research, responsible public-sector applications, AI safety, and locally relevant AI use cases in education and health, prioritizing data protection and national laws.
• Key signatories include Dr Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs for Kenya, and Elizabeth Kelly, Head of Beneficial Deployments for Anthropic.
• This partnership aims to empower Kenya to build local AI expertise, develop technologies tailored to its needs, and ensure AI advances strengthen its institutions and drive inclusive growth, while maintaining control over its data.

Kenya's flower sector is facing significant financial strain due to delayed Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds totaling Sh12 billion, impacting its ability to compete internationally.

• The industry is owed Sh12 billion in VAT refunds by the government, with some outstanding for up to three years.
• The Kenya Flower Council (KFC), represented by its Chief Executive Clement Tulezi, is urging the government to release these funds.
• The delayed refunds, coupled with rising fuel and freight costs, geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and recent protests, are making it difficult for growers and exporters to maintain operations and competitiveness.

The Kenyan government is developing a centralized national database for medal-winning athletes. This initiative aims to better document achievements, track talent, and recognize excellence.

• The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, announced the project.
• The database will include athletes who have won medals at regional, continental, and international competitions.
• This effort is part of broader initiatives to support both active athletes and retired sports heroes, including enhanced reward schemes and welfare programs.