Senate committee shoots down Nyamu’s Bill on AI, warns of Sh5 million fines
A Kenyan Senate committee has rejected a proposed AI Bill, citing concerns that its punitive measures and heavy fines would stifle local innovation. The committee recommended against the legislation, arguing it is too broad and premature for the current ecosystem.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between the desire to regulate emerging technology and the need to foster a startup-friendly environment in developing digital economies.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu/ HANDOUT A Senate committee has rejected a controversial Bill seeking to regulate artificial intelligence in the country.
The Senate Information, Communication and Technology Committee warned that the Bill’s punitive provisions could cripple innovation, drive away investors and force local technology developers out of the country.
Chaired by Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, the panel has asked the House not to proceed with the Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, sponsored by nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.
In a damning report, the committee warns that the proposed legislation risks creating an expensive regulatory bureaucracy while imposing harsh penalties on technology startups and individual innovators.
"That the Bill may regulate AI too broadly, too early and too punitively for Kenya's current stage of digital and innovation ecosystem development," the committee states.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in