A Global Alarm with Local Echoes

NAIROBI – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning on the immense concentration of corporate power among a handful of technology giants, a concern that resonates deeply with Kenya's rapidly evolving digital landscape. In an interview with AFP this week in Geneva, Türk stated that the unbridled power of seven or eight major tech companies, whose wealth now surpasses the economies of many industrialised nations, poses a significant threat to international human rights. "They have amassed an immense amount of power," Türk said. "And power, we all know, if it is not circumscribed by rule of law, by international rights law, can lead to abuse."

This concentration of influence, amplified by the rapid rollout of generative artificial intelligence (AI), creates profound challenges for democracy and fundamental freedoms globally. For Kenya, a nation positioning itself as a continental tech hub, Türk's concerns are not abstract; they cut to the core of its economic ambitions, data privacy frameworks, and the stability of its democratic processes.

The Scale of Power: A Kenyan Perspective

To contextualise the scale of this power, the market capitalisation of a single tech giant like Apple has been estimated to be larger than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 96% of the world's countries, including major economies like Italy and Brazil. While market capitalisation and GDP are different metrics, the comparison highlights the extraordinary economic leverage these corporations wield. The combined market value of the top 10 tech firms, nearing $18 trillion, recently surpassed the entire GDP of China. In Kenya, the digital economy is significantly influenced by these global players. A 2024 report by Public First, commissioned by Google, revealed that the company's products and services generated approximately $900 million (KES 116.7 billion) in economic activity in Kenya in 2023 alone.

This deep integration, while bringing benefits such as improved productivity and access to global markets, also underscores the nation's dependency and vulnerability. Türk warned that if this corporate power is not constrained by law, it will become "a huge issue for us."

Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights

The UN chief expressed particular alarm over generative AI, which he described as potentially "extremely manipulative." He cautioned that unregulated AI can distort reality, distract from substantive issues, and undermine the political energy needed to combat autocratic tendencies. Türk's office has previously highlighted how AI systems can perpetuate discrimination and inequality, with predictive policing tools often reproducing historical biases against minority groups. In Kenya, where AI adoption is a key government priority, these warnings are timely. The country launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2030 in March 2025, aiming to become a regional AI hub. The strategy acknowledges the need for ethical frameworks and alignment with the Constitution's principles of human dignity and non-discrimination. However, challenges remain, including the lack of a comprehensive AI regulatory framework and the risk of algorithmic bias affecting sectors like finance and healthcare.

Digital Rights and Regulation in Kenya

Kenya has made strides in digital regulation with the Data Protection Act of 2019, which is closely aligned with the EU's GDPR and established the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). The Act grants Kenyans rights over their personal data, including the right to be informed, to access, and to correct or delete their information. The ODPC has been active, receiving over 1,030 complaints by late 2022, with a significant portion related to digital lenders.

Despite this framework, concerns about digital rights persist. A 2024 report highlighted the need for stronger oversight to safeguard privacy against potential surveillance. Recent government actions, including internet disruptions during protests and proposals for enhanced surveillance capabilities, have raised alarms among digital rights advocates. Social media platforms have also played a complex role in Kenya's democracy. While they are vital spaces for organising and expression, they have also been used to spread misinformation and hate speech, particularly during election periods.

The Path Forward: Global Standards, Local Action

The European Union has moved assertively to regulate this space with its Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA targets the market dominance of "gatekeeper" platforms to ensure fair competition, while the DSA aims to create a safer online environment by regulating content moderation and algorithmic transparency. These regulations are seen as setting a potential global standard.

For Kenya, Türk's call to action is a summons to reinforce its regulatory frameworks and ensure they are robustly enforced. As the nation continues to integrate advanced technologies like AI, balancing innovation with the protection of fundamental rights is paramount. The UN chief's warning is clear: without vigilant oversight and a commitment to the rule of law, the immense power of technology could be used not to empower, but to subjugate.