Sama AI has announced a partnership with the University of Nairobi in order to help Kenya build its generative AI skill pool and position the country as a leader in Global Business Services (GBS).
The partnership between the two organizations will provide part-time employment opportunities for UoN faculty and students equipping them with practical experience in GenAI.
Speaking at the institution during a public lecture, Sama AI Chief Executive Officer Wendy Gonzalez said the partnership will also target to advance the skills among women and those in living in rural areas.
“Kenya is a preferred destination due to the quality of human capital that is versatile enough to serve various market segments, including Generative AI, thanks to digital training and academic progress. Several countries are, however, fighting hard to edge Kenya out of its growth track, which necessitates close attention to secure market positioning,” added Gonzalez.
Kenya is projected to play a big role in attracting GBS market which includes Business Outsourcing Process (BPO) and whose revenue is projected at Ksh 64.5 billion ($500m) annually.
According to Gonzale, revenue from BPO which now includes AI supply chain is projected to reach Ksh 32.8 billion ($254m) this year alone.
Last year, GBS market reached $1 trillion in revenues, with South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco as leading markets.
With enhanced AI skills pool, Kenya is expected to be a leader in GBS destination among emerging markets which include Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Ghana.
ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui said the government has embarked on establishing policies and frameworks that foster innovation and invest in research and development while protecting the rights and interests of all citizens, following the principles of ethical AI development and usage.
“With 65pc of organizations already integrating Generative AI into operations, its impact is undeniable, from enhancing customer service to revolutionizing industries. As we embrace this digital future, partnerships and education in STEM are key to preparing our workforce for the opportunities ahead,” said Tanui.
Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, underscored the institution’s pivotal role in equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital economy.
“The University of Nairobi is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our graduates are not only job-ready but also future-ready,” added Prof. Hutchinson.
The Generative AI global market is expected to add between $2.6 and $4.4 trillion annually to the world economy.
