In Kenya, any unregistered AI and entity operating in the country is subject to a fine of KES 1 million (approx. $6,160 in the current market).
The Government of Kenya issued The Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill 2023, whereby all tech professionals and entities in the country must apply for a license under the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) to operate. Moreover, it does not stop at the fines, any suspect is liable to face a prison sentence of up to 2 years.
To some, the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill 2023 is simply an avenue for the government of Kenya to impose more taxes on the citizens.
The government established the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) with the responsibility of ensuring that the rules of the bill are followed. While doing so, it will stand as a facilitator of the growth and development of the AI and robotics sector.
In addition, all tech companies in the country must provide the government with updates and advice on the newest AI and robotics trends.
As expected, the proposal brought about a boatload of controversies right after it was introduced to the lawmakers in late 2023. AI enthusiasts in the country look at it as a deadly threat to innovation and the growth of the ever-expanding technological ecosystem.
The Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill 2023 is somewhat similar to the ICT practitioners bill which was passed in June 2022 but denied by the then sitting president, Uhuru Kenyatta.
This was a result of stockpiles of complaints on how the bill that was created to regulate the growing sector of technology would be the same one to block its growth. Because at the moment, the country lacks experts and finance in the sector where most workers are self-taught freelancers.