Nyamu proposes an AI commissioner with Sh5m fines

Kenya might get a dedicated AI watchdog after a senator dropped a bill to regulate the tech's rapid spread across industries.

Nyamu's AI Commissioner proposal

• Karen Nyamu wants a presidentially appointed AI Commissioner.
• Parliamentary approval would be required for the pick.
• Inspection powers over AI systems are baked into the role.
• Summoning individuals and accessing records fall under its authority.

Regulatory scope and ethical guardrails

• AI systems would get ranked by their public-impact level.
• Fairness and transparency guidelines are a core mandate.
• Formal compliance notices keep developers and companies in check.

Advisory committee structure

• ICT Ministry and Data Protection Commissioner reps sit on it.
• Science, Technology, and Innovation gets a seat as well.
• County governments, the private sector, and civil society round it out.

Penalties for noncompliance

• Fines can hit up to Sh5 million per violation.
• Offenders risk a two-year prison sentence.
• Courts can stack both a fine and jail time together.