Ambassador Philip Thigo, speaks during the AI, Security and Ethics Conference in Geneva.
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The announcement was made on Friday, June 19, 2026, during the UN-affiliated AI, Security and Ethics Conference in Geneva by Kenya’s Special Tech Envoy, Ambassador Philip Thigo, on behalf of Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
The summit brings together governments, defence institutions, technology firms, academia and international organizations to advance discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in military operations and the development of global governance frameworks for emerging defence technologies.
By securing the hosting rights, Nairobi succeeds previous hosts The Hague in 2023, Seoul in 2024 and A Coruña in 2026.
Speaking after the announcement, Amb. Thigo said the 2027 summit will focus on practical implementation of responsible AI through capacity building, institutional readiness, international cooperation and deeper engagement among key stakeholders.
“The summit will focus on practical implementation of responsible AI through capacity building, institutional readiness, international cooperation, and deeper engagement between governments, defence institutions, industry, academia and international organizations,” he said.
Kenya’s selection comes at a time when divisions are emerging over global rules governing artificial intelligence in warfare. The third REAIM Summit held in Spain brought together delegates from 85 countries, but only 40 endorsed the final “Pathways to Action” framework, underscoring widening geopolitical differences on the regulation of military AI.
The 2027 summit is expected to prioritise strengthening regional capacities, improving institutional preparedness within defence structures, and developing standards for public-private partnerships in military technology.
“Kenya looks forward to welcoming the global community to shape the crucial frameworks where military artificial intelligence meets international peace, security and ethics,” Amb. Thigo said.
By stepping forward to anchor the 2027 summit, Kenya has definitively proven that the path to the future of global security and technological oversight also runs directly through Africa.
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