Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the character of warfare, security and defence planning, making responsible governance of emerging technologies a strategic imperative for nations across the globe. As military institutions increasingly explore the potential of AI-enabled systems, the need for common principles, ethical safeguards and international cooperation has never been more urgent.
This growing global conversation received a significant boost on 19 June 2026 when Kenya was confirmed as the host of the Fourth Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM), scheduled to take place in Nairobi on 7–8 April 2027. The announcement, made in Geneva during the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics, positions Kenya as the first African nation and the first country from the Global South to host the world’s premier forum dedicated to responsible military AI.
The confirmation was delivered on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, by Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo. The decision places Nairobi alongside previous host cities—The Hague, Seoul and A Coruña—and marks a major milestone in Kenya’s growing influence in shaping global conversations on emerging technologies and security governance.
REAIM serves as the leading multilateral platform for discussions on the responsible development, deployment and regulation of artificial intelligence in the military domain. The summit brings together governments, defence establishments, technology companies, academia, civil society and international organisations to develop norms, standards and safeguards that guide the use of AI in defence and security operations.
Kenya’s selection as host reflects its expanding role in the REAIM process and its commitment to advancing responsible AI governance. The country previously co-hosted the Second REAIM Summit in Seoul in 2024 alongside the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Singapore and the United Kingdom, demonstrating its readiness to contribute meaningfully to international discussions on the future of military technology.
Speaking following the announcement, Ambassador Thigo emphasized that the Nairobi Summit would focus on translating commitments into practical action. He noted that discussions would centre on strengthening institutional capacity, developing human capital and fostering collaboration among governments, defence forces, industry and researchers to ensure that advances in military AI contribute to peace, security and ethical innovation.
Kenya’s appointment also underscores its broader leadership in global AI governance. The country serves on the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, co-sponsored the first United Nations General Assembly resolution on safe, secure and trustworthy AI, participated as a core group member in UN First Committee resolutions on Responsible AI in the Military Domain, and played a key role in facilitating the Global Digital Compact to promote inclusive and science-based AI policies that reflect the priorities of the Global South.
At the national level, Kenya has taken deliberate steps to strengthen its AI ecosystem through the launch of the National AI Strategy 2025–2030. Within the defence sector, the Kenya Defence Forces continues to build the institutional capacity, skills and governance frameworks necessary for the responsible adoption of emerging technologies through initiatives such as the Moran AI and Cyber Center of Excellence (MAIC-CoE).
Kenya has also championed greater African participation in shaping the future of AI governance. The country hosted the inaugural African Regional REAIM Workshop in Nairobi in June 2024 and the Second Africa Regional REAIM Consultations in August 2025, bringing together representatives from 17 African countries to contribute to global discussions on military AI and ensure that African perspectives remain central to the development of international norms and standards.
The 2027 Summit comes at a critical moment as nations seek greater consensus on how artificial intelligence should be governed within the security domain. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening regional capacities, enhancing institutional preparedness within defence establishments and developing frameworks for responsible public-private partnerships in military technology while upholding transparency, accountability, human dignity and the rule of law.
By hosting REAIM 2027, Kenya reinforces its position as a leading voice in responsible technology governance and demonstrates Africa’s growing role in shaping the future of global security. The summit will not only provide a platform for advancing international cooperation on military AI but will also highlight the continent’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of ethical, secure and inclusive approaches to emerging technologies.
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