By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kenya has begun preparations
for the fourth Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit, with
stakeholders meeting to define priorities for the global event scheduled to
take place in Nairobi in April 2027.
Kenya’s Special Envoy on
Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, chaired the inaugural technical meeting
for the summit, which will be hosted under the stewardship of Cabinet Secretary
for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary
for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi.
The meeting focused on
developing practical pathways for advancing responsible artificial intelligence
(AI) use in the military domain while maintaining meaningful human control over
critical decisions involving life and security.
Discussions also addressed
strengthening international cooperation, building confidence among nations,
expanding capacity for countries in the Global South, and creating a platform
that brings together governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil
society organisations.
The REAIM Summit seeks to
move conversations around responsible military AI from shared principles
towards practical implementation frameworks that promote safe, secure, and
human-centred approaches to emerging technologies.
Kenya’s hosting of the 2027
summit builds on previous efforts by the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea,
and Spain, which have advanced global dialogue on responsible AI governance in
defence and security.