Kenya will host a global military AI conference in Nairobi in April 2027, placing the country at the centre of global discussions on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence in defence and security.
The conference comes as governments around the world increasingly adopt AI technologies in military operations, intelligence gathering and autonomous systems, raising concerns about accountability and oversight.
“Kenya will host the 4th REAIM Conference in Nairobi in April 2027,” President William Ruto’s Special Envoy on Technology, Philip Thigo, announced during the AI, Security and Ethics Summit in Geneva.
“The conference will focus on practical implementation of responsible AI through capacity building, institutional readiness, international cooperation and partnerships between governments, defence institutions, industry, academia and global organisations,” he said.
The REAIM initiative brings together governments, military institutions, technology firms and researchers to promote responsible use of AI in military settings. Recent discussions have focused on maintaining human control over critical decisions and managing risks associated with autonomous systems.
Kenya’s selection as host reflects its growing role in global technology policy discussions. The conference is expected to bring together government officials, defence experts, technology companies and international organisations to discuss practical approaches to AI governance in the military sector.
Experts say major debates remain over the regulation of military AI, particularly autonomous weapons and the level of human oversight required in critical operations. These issues are expected to feature prominently when delegates meet in Nairobi in 2027.
