Amb. Philip Thigo Leads Kenya's AI Diplomacy with New Governance Playbook

On December 6th 2024, Kenya launched the “Diplomat’s Playbook on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance”. This is a strategic guide to empower Kenyan diplomats in global AI policy discussions. Led by Ambassador Philip Thigo, the Special Envoy on Technology, this is a first of its kind resource, aimed to position Kenya as a leader in ethical and inclusive AI governance.


PHOTO: Amb. Thigo delivering a speech at the University of Nairobi Towers

The event was held at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi and had government officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Education, Information, Communications and Telecommunication (ICT) and Digital Economy and a host of other local and international dignitaries.

The event also had the launch of the historic photo gallery and the transformation of the Foreign Service Academy into a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA) which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MFDA). The historic photo gallery will be a repository of Kenya’s diplomatic history.

The playbook aligns with international frameworks such as the Global Digital Compact and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing Kenya’s commitment to shaping a fair and prosperous global AI landscape. 

“In an era where Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global landscape, its impact on international relations, economic development, and social progress cannot be overstated,” said Mudavadi, ably represented by Defence CS, Tuya. 

According to Amb. Thigo, the playbook is set to equip Kenyan diplomats with the knowledge and strategies necessary to advocate for ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI practices on the global stage. 

“Our message in global AI discussions is clear: AI must be guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, empowering the Global South and addressing structural inequalities,” said Amb. Thigo. 

Key principles in the playbook are: 

1. Ethical AI Governance: Advocating for AI systems that uphold human rights, ensure transparency, and foster fairness.

2. Sustainable Development: Highlighting AI’s role in climate resilience, resource management, and driving green innovations.

3. Economic Equity: Integrating AI governance with efforts to reform global financial systems, promoting inclusive economic growth.

4. Digital Sovereignty: Securing Kenya’s role in the AI value chain and fostering technological independence.

5. Diplomatic Skills: Enhancing diplomats' technical knowledge to effectively engage in AI discussions.

PHOTO: Amb. Thigo with CS Tuya during the launch of the Diplomat's Playbook

Kenya’s proactive stance is further highlighted by its recent participation in the International Network of AI Safety Institutes in San Francisco. Through a delegation led by Amb. Thigo, Kenya joined other global leaders for the two day launch of the Network, making it the first and only African country to grace the Network. The involvement underscored Kenya’s commitment to AI safety and collaboration, reinforcing its position as a thought leader in international AI dialogues.

The Diplomats Playbook on AI Governance will be distributed to Kenyan diplomatic missions worldwide and made available online. The Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, will also host training sessions to ensure diplomats are made aware of how best to leverage the resource.

This initiative, led by Ambassador Philip Thigo, marks a significant step in enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of Kenya’s diplomatic efforts, positioning the nation as a global leader in ethical and inclusive AI governance.

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