The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the University of Nairobi (UON) have emerged as leaders in AI research in Kenya, with 91 and 90 research publications respectively in the last year. This highlights the significant contributions of these institutions to the advancement of AI technology in the region.
AI technology, which enables machines to simulate human intelligence, is being increasingly applied across various sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and the military. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report underscores the importance of AI in transforming these industries.
Other notable contributors include Kenyatta University, the Kenya Medical Research Institute, and Moi University, with 51, 36, and 35 publications respectively. Institutions like Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Strathmore University also made significant strides, contributing to Kenya’s growing AI research landscape.
Kenya received $15 million in AI venture capital investment last year, significantly outpacing Nigeria’s $2.9 million. This influx of funding underscores Kenya’s potential as a hub for AI innovation, particularly in the agriculture sector, which accounts for 49% of all AI deployments in the country.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Issues such as data scarcity, skills shortages, and inadequate technology infrastructure could hinder the seamless adoption of AI. Experts emphasize the need for well-trained talent to ensure AI models are effectively developed and deployed.
As Kenya continues to embrace AI technology, addressing these challenges will be crucial. Enhancing virtual storage capacity and updating mobile technology infrastructure are vital steps in supporting the country’s AI ambitions. The potential for AI to drive economic and technological growth in Kenya is immense, and strategic investments and policy support will be key to unlocking this potential.
AIResearch #TechnologyInnovation #Kenya #JKUAT #UON #VentureCapital #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #EconomicGrowth #AgricultureTech #OECD #GSMA #FutureOfWork
