Experts call for AI adoption to enhance development, governance
Kenya can use ethical artificial intelligence (AI) to address specific opportunities and challenges to enhance development and governance in the region, experts at the Eastern Africa Sub-regional Forum on AI in Nairobi have said.
The captains of industry pointed out the potential of AI, highlighting the need to tap technology to improve lives amid the social, political and economic challenges currently being faced. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) stressed the need to continue discussing how the region can positively govern AI.
UNESCO’s recommendation on AI ethics aims to shape the debate, with a strong emphasis on African voices.
James Njogu, Acting Secretary General and CEO of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, spoke about AI’s transformative potential in health, education, and leadership. He acknowledged the need to address the challenges AI brings.
“Kenya is leading in the development and ethical use of AI tools across various sectors, including education, research, natural sciences, culture, and communication,” he stated.
Economic growth
“As Kenya positions itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, this forum is crucial in shaping an African approach to AI that drives innovation, economic growth, and social progress,” Njogu said. He said the forum will discuss both the benefits and challenges of AI, particularly data acquisition, management, and privacy issues, highlighting the need to balance innovation with ethical considerations.Prof Peter Ngure, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, pointed out the ethical questions surrounding AI use, saying that Kenya ranks 62nd globally in AI and expressed hope that the forum would help the country drive its own agenda and contextualize its AI efforts.
Mary Karema, representing John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, acknowledged that infrastructural challenges remain a significant barrier to unlocking AI’s potential in Kenya and the region.
