Kenyan lawmakers are calling for urgent regulation of Artificial Intelligence to prevent misuse, curb misinformation, and protect national security while still embracing innovation.
Members of Parliament want the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to be regulated.
The lawmakers expressed fear that the current lack of a proper regulatory framework in the country has led to an increase in cases of disinformation and fake news.
At the same time, however, they acknowledged that AI has brought positive benefits, increasing efficiency in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and robotics. However, they also said that it poses a greater risk of causing conflict in the country, especially through the spread of fake news.
The MPs also argued that regulation would protect Kenyans from potential harms caused by AI, such as privacy breaches, AI-powered fake technology algorithms, algorithmic discrimination, autonomous weapons, job displacement, economic inequality, social manipulation, misinformation, financial market manipulation and privacy invasion.
Artificial intelligence involves using digital computers or computer-controlled robots to perform tasks typically associated with intelligent beings.
In a motion by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, the lawmakers noted that despite its benefits in simplifying work as a form of technology, it also poses great risks if it operates in a space without regulatory policies.
“Government, through the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, should formulate a regulatory framework and ethical guidelines for implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country to control its potential misuse,” reads the motion.
In addition, the lawmakers also want the government to develop and execute a public awareness programme on Artificial Intelligence to raise understanding of AI, foster transparency and promote responsible use of the technology for the benefit of all.
Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya said it is important to formulate a regulatory framework and ethical guidelines for the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the country to control potential misuse.
“We have had cases of fake news appearing in our social media because we have young intelligent people coming up with screaming fake newspaper headlines, which causes conflict in our society,” Mr Mulanya said.
Luanda MP Dick Maungu pointed out that the use of AI has become order of the day today hence the government cannot ignore the introduction
“We live in a society which is a global village. If we don’t have a regulatory framework, people are set to suffer,” Mr Maungu said.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda said that the world is moving so fast, and the government cannot avoid it
“Initially, the people rejected tea picking machines, but what is happening today? The people have embraced it because it is working for those who have invested in that sector,” Mr Ochanda said.
“Artificial Intelligence is a must, and if we don’t regulate it, it’s going to run ahead of us, ahead of the government, and people are going to continue using it, and they are already doing that,” he added.
Erick Muchangi said Artificial Intelligence has great potential for benefits, but at the same time, it can cause damage, hence it should be regulated.
“The government must move fast and regulate AI, because it is nowadays being used in healthcare, in the education sector, so how can we not regulate it? ” he posed.
West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka called on the government to introduce AI as part of the subject in the technical training institutions.
The lawmakers, however, cautioned that the technology should not be embraced 100 percent, leading to job losses among the youth.
In embracing the use of AI, the MPs also cautioned that there is a need for a full assessment so that the security of the country is not jeopardised by allowing it to access critical data.
The 2022 Government Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index report ranked Kenya fifth in Africa and 90th globally in readiness to adopt Artificial Intelligence.
Further, the Oxford Insights Survey 2022 pegged Kenya’s readiness to adopt AI at 40.3 percent.
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