Kenyan government seeks $20.8 million for AI-powered social media monitoring

The Kenyan government is seeking KES 2.7 billion ($20.8 million) from parliament to fund artificial intelligence tools for monitoring social media, combating misinformation, and improving government communications.

The proposal was presented to the National Assembly’s ICT committee by the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, which argued that the rapid rise of disinformation and online misinformation has created the need for advanced digital monitoring systems.

According to Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, the funds would support several initiatives, including AI-powered social media sentiment analysis, the establishment of a National Communication Center, and upgrades to media and customer relations management systems.

A breakdown of the proposal shows that KES 400 million ($3.1 million) has been earmarked for AI software dedicated to monitoring and analysing social media conversations, while KES 926 million ($7.1 million) would go toward building the National Communication Center.

The government also plans to spend KES 242.79 million ($1.9 million) on media management software and KES 795 million ($6.1 million) on renovating deteriorating Kenya News Agency field offices.

Officials say the National Communication Center would serve as a central hub for coordinating and distributing government information across ministries and agencies.

The proposal comes amid growing global debate over the use of AI-powered surveillance tools, online speech regulation, and government oversight of digital platforms. Kenyan lawmakers are expected to review the funding request before parliament resumes from recess.

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