The Auditor-General’s Office, led by Deputy Auditor-General Isaac Kamau, has announced its intention to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and generate timely reports on the utilization of public resources by state entities.
Kamau stressed the need to uphold professional standards and safeguard public data security. He underscored the importance of carefully evaluating risks and compliance as government services progressively transition to the digital sphere, although he did not provide specific details regarding the AI application within the office.
Kamau also encouraged industry stakeholders to share their perspectives on the matter, emphasizing that AI adoption can enhance efficiency and automate routine tasks. He further emphasized the importance of gathering evidence and understanding how AI produces information while maintaining public assurance, practitioner trust, and accountability.
These statements were made during a governance, risk, and compliance conference in Kisumu, organized by the Kenya chapter of the International Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) in the Information Technology (IT) sector.
David Njoga, the head of cybersecurity policy and strategy at the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee, reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the 2018 Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act through robust regulations.
He highlighted the government’s emphasis on coordinating efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cybercrime and computer-related offenses, stressing the importance of safeguarding Kenya’s cyberspace to support socioeconomic activities and the digital transformation agenda.
Njoga also cautioned that regulations would address issues such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and interference with critical information infrastructure.
According to the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness 2022 Index, Kenya ranks fifth in Africa for its preparedness to incorporate AI in delivering public services, trailing behind Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, and Morocco.
