A new wave of artificial intelligence is moving beyond the digital world and into the physical, powering intelligent robots, self-driving cars, and autonomous machines that can interact with their environment. This technology, dubbed "physical AI," is attracting massive investment from tech leaders and is predicted to fundamentally alter industries from manufacturing to healthcare. While global hubs are racing to develop humanoid robots, Kenya is strategically positioning itself to harness this transformation, launching a national AI policy to guide its entry into a market that investment bank Morgan Stanley projects could be worth $5 trillion by 2050.

Spearheading this global shift are companies like US chip giant Nvidia, whose CEO Jensen Huang has declared that "the next wave of AI is physical AI." This form of AI enables machines to understand the laws of physics and work alongside humans by perceiving and interpreting real-world sensory data from cameras, sensors, and microphones. In Japan, for instance, the company Enactic is developing humanoid robots to perform household chores in care homes, addressing severe labour shortages in the country's rapidly aging society. This reflects a broader trend, with analysts predicting there could be more than a billion humanoid robots in use globally by mid-century, with 90% deployed for industrial and commercial purposes.

Kenya's Strategic Leap into the AI Future

Recognizing the transformative potential of this technology, the Kenyan government has taken proactive steps to prepare the nation. On March 27, 2025, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025-2030). This forward-looking policy aims to establish Kenya as a regional leader in AI research and innovation, creating a structured framework for its adoption and governance. The strategy is built on three core pillars: developing AI digital infrastructure, fostering robust data ecosystems, and promoting AI research and innovation.

The policy aligns with Kenya's broader development goals, including Vision 2030 and the National Digital Master Plan (2022-2032), which emphasize technology-driven economic growth. By creating a clear roadmap, the government intends to attract global AI firms, unlock funding for local innovation, and create new jobs in a rapidly evolving digital economy. The strategy prioritizes key sectors for AI integration, including agriculture, healthcare, financial services, and public administration.

Local Impact and the Road Ahead

The adoption of robotics and physical AI is already taking root in Kenya across various sectors. In agriculture, a cornerstone of the nation's economy, AI-driven tools and robotics are being used for precision farming, including crop monitoring and the targeted application of fertilizers and pesticides. Drones and other robotic systems are helping to improve yields and promote sustainable practices. According to a report from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), farms that have implemented such robotic systems have seen yields increase significantly.

In healthcare, AI applications are emerging to aid in diagnostics and manage patient care, while in security, robotic surveillance systems are being deployed in urban centers. However, the path to widespread adoption is not without challenges. High costs, a shortage of skilled professionals, and the need for significant investment in infrastructure remain considerable barriers. Furthermore, concerns about job displacement are prevalent as automation becomes more sophisticated. The World Economic Forum projects that AI could displace millions of jobs globally by 2030, though it is also expected to create new roles. Kenya's national strategy acknowledges these potential disruptions and prioritizes upskilling and reskilling the workforce to prepare for the jobs of the future. By fostering collaboration between government, the private sector, and academia, Kenya aims to navigate the complexities of the physical AI revolution and ensure its benefits are shared across society.