Kenya has proposed an AI and robotics law that includes fines of up to $6,250 for unlicensed businesses.
The Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill 2023 introduced the fine to regulate and support the growing sector.
The bill also outlines the establishment of the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK), a proposed regulatory body empowered to issue licences and levy the $6,250 fine on unlicensed businesses. Failure to comply could even land offenders in jail for two years. This body will also advise the government on emerging trends in AI and robotics.
The proposal has sparked discussions among AI enthusiasts and advocates, who view the law as a severe threat to innovation and growth and believe that it is merely another avenue for the government to create unnecessary bureaucracy and generate revenue.