Apology: Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei apologises after posting CNN deepfake video, vows to undertake AI training
In a statement on X, PS Sing'Oei acknowledged the mistake and addressed the backlash he faced on social media.
"I sincerely apologize for inadvertently posting an AI-generated video disguised as a genuine commentary from Fareed Zakaria of CNN on the search for peace in the Sudan conflict and Kenya’s role in it. I regret any confusion this may have caused and thank everyone who flagged the video as a deepfake," he stated.
He further announced that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is working on an initiative to address the challenges posed by AI-generated content.
"Our Ministry has been working with partners and tech companies to explore the potential of watermarking AI-generated content to ensure that such material does not pose as human-generated material."
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Additionally, Sing'Oei revealed plans to launch an AI Diplomacy program at the Foreign Service Academy, aimed at equipping policymakers with the necessary skills to navigate AI-related challenges.
"Additionally, we are designing—with the collaboration of partners and big-tech companies—the School on AI Diplomacy (SAID) at the Foreign Services Academy—a program I will attend—to equip policymakers better to navigate these emerging challenges," he added.
The fake video, designed to appear as a CNN broadcast, falsely featured journalist Fareed Zakaria discussing Kenya's involvement in the peace efforts.
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The video quickly attracted criticism from Kenyans on X, who called out Sing’Oei for ostensibly misleading the public by using AI-generated media to promote a government narrative.
