Why Boards Must Take Charge Of AI Governance

Company boards, not just technology teams, must take responsibility for governing artificial intelligence if businesses are to realise its full value while managing emerging risks, KPMG Africa has told business leaders.

The message was delivered by Martin Kimani, Associate Director for Technology and Innovation and AI Lead at KPMG Africa, during the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi.

Speaking on AI governance, Kimani argued that the success of AI initiatives will depend less on the technology itself and more on leadership, oversight, and responsible adoption across organisations.

He said boards are uniquely positioned to drive AI transformation by treating the technology as a strategic priority, defining clear risk appetites, strengthening oversight capabilities, and ensuring responsible deployment across the enterprise.

According to Kimani, effective AI governance requires robust risk management, transparent reporting, sound governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and board-level capacity to oversee rapidly evolving technologies.

The discussion reflects a growing shift in how organisations approach AI. Rather than being managed solely by technology and data teams, decisions around AI strategy, risk, compliance, and accountability are increasingly moving to the boardroom.

The session comes as Kenya advances implementation of its National AI Strategy 2025-2030 and expands efforts to build AI skills through initiatives such as the Kenya Artificial Intelligence Skilling Alliance (KAISA), a multi-stakeholder platform coordinated by KEPSA.

The AGM also marked the launch of a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and KEPSA under the NextGen.Ke Youth Employment Programme, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and employment for young Kenyans.

The programme, led jointly by the Government of Kenya, UNDP, and private-sector partners, will provide structured 12-month placements for graduates across sectors including ICT, manufacturing, agribusiness, construction, energy, and services. More than 15,000 graduates are expected to benefit over the next three years.

KEPSA will mobilise its member companies to provide placement opportunities and help connect graduates with participating employers.

The pairing of AI governance and youth employment at the same forum highlighted two priorities increasingly shaping the private sector agenda: preparing the workforce for a technology-driven future and ensuring organisations adopt emerging technologies responsibly.

For business leaders attending the forum, the message was clear: technology alone does not deliver transformation. Leadership, skills, and governance remain critical to unlocking its full potential.