Artificial Intelligence has been among the most searched trends by Kenyans in the Google search engine since mid-last year. According to Google Trends, the interest has risen to over 400% since the year started.
People across the world, and more lately in Africa, are already applying it and benefiting from AI-based tools. This has proven very efficient and effective, saving billions in the process.
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies that give computers the ability to perform human-like tasks, such as learning, reasoning, planning, and creativity:
- Data processing: AI can process large amounts of data from a variety of sources, including sensors, monitoring tools, and system logs.
- Problem-solving: AI can use data to solve complex problems, such as predicting financial outlooks or optimizing energy solutions.
- Communication: AI can understand and translate spoken and written language, and respond to human conversations.
- Image recognition: AI can recognize images and create original images for marketing.
- Text generation: AI can write poems and generate original text for marketing.
What Are People Searching For?
According to Google, many are turning to AI to build their careers, such as enrolling in AI courses. Others are looking to it on how to operate an “online business from home” and “how to register a business”.
Many people in Kenya are increasingly interested in using AI to build their careers and learn new skills. AI comes in handy in relation to CV or resume building and cover letter writing.
Companies Currently Using AI
AI algorithms are used by Safaricom’s mobile money service, M-Pesa, to evaluate client data and provide specialized financial services, including micro-loans and savings products.
The Facebook parent company, META, uses AI technology to review content. AI can detect and remove content that goes against their community standards automatically. After it picks it up, human review teams, flag it and decide on it.
Locally, companies are using AI-powered apps like PlantVillage to help farmers identify pests and diseases, and how to control them. Angaza Elimu’s eLearning system provides personalized learning experiences for students.
In the financial sector, Utu’s creditworthiness API scoring system and Safaricom’s M-Shwari use AI to assess creditworthiness. It is also revolutionizing the fintech field by helping the unbanked population access short-term loans.
AfyaRekod’s AI-based analysis and reports help with health, and AI can also be used to provide more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
Adoption of AI by The Government
Kenya, through the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy in partnership with GIZ, is developing a National AI Strategy to guide its use while ensuring ethical considerations and national interests.
Kenya is among the top 10 countries in Africa integrating AI in its systems. With a young population, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and supportive government, the country moving into the future with speed. However, the government is keen on controlling its use because of the challenges and risks associated with it. These include ethical, legal, social, and economic issues and impacts.
Currently, the country has no specific laws guiding or regulating its use. However, there exists a Draft AI Code of Practice that requires that developers and stakeholders comply with standards for transparency, accountability, security, privacy, and governance.
The United States (USA) stands as the global powerhouse in artificial intelligence. It’s a rich ecosystem of leading tech companies, from Silicon Valley, top-tier research institutions, and a vibrant startup culture.
