The Senator underscored that previous industrial and technological revolutions often saw Africa relegated to the periphery either as an exporter of raw materials or a consumer of foreign-built technologies.
He cautioned that allowing the AI boom to follow the same pattern risks plunging the continent into digital dependency and economic marginalization.
By advocating for proactive policy frameworks, strategic investments in digital infrastructure, and cross-border innovation, Mungatana stressed that African nations must shift from being mere consumers of foreign algorithms to creators and owners of local AI solutions.
Highlighting Kenya’s rapidly growing reputation as a continental tech hub, Sen. Dr. Mungatana emphasized that the nation widely recognized as the Silicon Savannah is uniquely positioned to spearhead Africa’s digital transformation and drive continental strategy.
“Kenya, also known as the Silicon Savannah, must take its place to be first amongst equals in Africa,” he urged.
With Kenya’s vibrant startup ecosystem, widespread mobile tech adoption, and expanding digital footprint, Mungatana noted that the country has a responsibility to set the pace for responsible AI adoption, legislative frameworks, and regional leadership across the African continent.
