Kenya has emerged as a key player in global artificial intelligence governance, shifting from technology adoption to actively shaping international AI frameworks. The nation has co-facilitated negotiations for the UN Global Digital Compact (GDC) and helped establish critical UN bodies for global AI cooperation.

• Kenya led member states at the seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) to adopt the first global resolution linking AI governance with environmental sustainability.
• Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya's Special Envoy on Technology, was recognized on Apolitical's Government AI 100: 2026 list for shaping government AI adoption.
• The UNEA resolution faced resistance from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the UAE, who pushed back against provisions on lifecycle environmental impacts.