AI should be part of intelligence operations, Ruto advises

Countries must embrace technology not only to enhance service delivery but also to ensure security, President William Ruto has said.

Speaking on Thursday night at the Second Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Naivasha, Ruto emphasized the importance of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in intelligence operations to counter threats effectively.

The conference brings together over 60 intelligence and security agencies from Africa and beyond.

“I want to ask all of you to make sure that the digital space, especially artificial intelligence, becomes part of our intelligence, and we can leverage it as a tool that will enable us to be ahead of threats and risks that we face as countries and as a region," Ruto said.

"I am confident that technology, properly applied and understood, can help us solve the challenges that we face as a society today.”

He noted that while technology serves various purposes, it is the duty of governments and intelligence agencies to adopt it as a means of enhancing security and stability.

He stressed that without stability, economic development would be difficult to achieve.

“I know that technology can also be used for other purposes, but it is your responsibility, and the responsibility of governments, to make sure that we leverage on technology not just to provide public services and public goods, but also leverage on technology to secure nations and to make sure that we harness stability,” he said.

He further stated that intelligence-driven decision-making is crucial in implementing precise interventions that foster nation-building and economic progress.

“Because without stability, it becomes very difficult for us to make progress and for there to be growth in our economies and for us to talk about any meaningful prosperity," said the President.

"And therefore, I want to urge all of you, as you take time to reflect on matters intelligence and how we can secure our nations better and the use of information.”

The President’s remarks come at a time when many governments are exploring the use of AI and other digital tools to address emerging security threats.

The adoption of such technologies has been seen as a way to enhance intelligence gathering and response mechanisms.