Kenya and South Korea have signed an agreement to advance AI in public services, focusing on government data preparation, workforce training, secure information sharing and citizen data protection.
Kenya has partnered with South Korea to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in public services, aiming to improve government efficiency, strengthen digital infrastructure and deliver faster services to citizens. The agreement was signed between Kenya’s ICT Authority and South Korea’s Korea Data Agency during the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul on October 21, 2026. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, witnessed the signing.
The partnership will focus on preparing government data for AI applications and testing digital tools across public institutions. The initiative aims to improve the handling of official records and support more efficient delivery of government services, including administrative processes and public healthcare services.
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An important component of the agreement is capacity building. South Korean experts will support the training of Kenyan data professionals in data management and standardisation, helping public institutions organise information for effective AI deployment. The partnership will also support secure information-sharing networks, allowing government departments to exchange data more efficiently while maintaining safeguards for sensitive information.
Data protection is a central consideration in the initiative. The cooperation is expected to follow Kenya’s Data Protection Act of 2019, which establishes requirements for the handling and protection of personal information. By incorporating privacy safeguards and data-quality standards, the two countries aim to establish a foundation for responsible AI use in government operations.
The agreement also supports Kenya’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2030 and its broader Digital Master Plan. These policy frameworks seek to strengthen the country’s digital capabilities, develop data ecosystems and expand the practical application of emerging technologies across the economy.
The partnership builds on wider engagement between Kenya and South Korea in digital transformation. Their cooperation has included discussions on AI-driven government services, digital infrastructure, cyber security, data interoperability and technical training.
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As Kenya advances its digital government agenda, the latest agreement represents a step towards integrating AI into public administration. Its impact will depend on effective implementation, workforce training, reliable digital infrastructure and strong data governance. The initiative is intended to help government institutions provide more accessible, secure and efficient services while protecting citizens’ personal information.