By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Switzerland, July 7, 2026 - Kenya has joined Spain, the European Union and France in launching the Coalition for Children's Rights and Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, marking a significant step in global efforts to safeguard children from emerging digital threats.
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau announced Kenya's commitment during the launch of the coalition at the AI for Good Summit and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2026 in Geneva.
Kabogo said the initiative seeks to ensure that children are protected online regardless of their language, location or access to technology, noting that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and new risks for young people.
Highlighting Africa's growing demographic significance, the Cabinet Secretary observed that by 2050, one in every four people globally will be African. He cautioned, however, that many AI systems currently available do not adequately support African languages, leaving millions of children vulnerable as online safety measures designed for English may not work effectively in their native languages.
"Every child's life is of equal worth in every language," Kabogo said, emphasizing the need for inclusive AI systems that protect children across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.
As part of its commitments under the coalition, Kenya will serve as a regional hub for the rapid detection and takedown of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The country will also develop and deploy practical child online safety tools for schools and child protection institutions to strengthen digital safety for learners.
Additionally, Kenya will contribute findings from its nationwide child online protection survey, conducted across all 47 counties, to support the coalition's scientific research and evidence-based policy development.
Kabogo said the partnership reflects Kenya's commitment to promoting responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence while ensuring technological innovation does not compromise children's rights and wellbeing.
The coalition brings together governments and international partners to coordinate action on child online protection, improve AI governance, and develop policies that place children's rights at the centre of the digital future.
Kenya reaffirmed that every child, regardless of geography, language or market size, deserves equal protection in the digital age.
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