Kenya set for Generative AI shift amid adoption hitches

Kenya is on the brink of a Generative AI (GenAI) transformation, with business leaders expressing optimism about its potential to revolutionise industries and drive innovation throughout the country and the wider East African region.

However, significant challenges such as outdated infrastructure, skills shortages, and regulatory gaps must be addressed to fully harness the benefits of this ground-breaking technology.

Chris Wiggett, Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data, and Analytics for the Middle East and Africa at Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT DATA), stressed the importance of a holistic approach to tackling these challenges.

He noted that while Kenyan organisations are well-positioned to lead a digital transformation, their success will depend on targeted investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and the establishment of clear regulatory and ethical frameworks.

Skills development

“Kenya has the opportunity to become a leader in GenAI adoption across Africa. By investing in infrastructure, skills development, and ethical frameworks, businesses can unlock immense value and drive sustainable innovation,” Wiggett stated during the (NTT DATA) Clients Innovation Day in Nairobi.

Data from this year’s NTT DATA Global GenAI report reveals that Kenyan organisations are keen to adopt GenAI technologies. Remarkably, 100 per cent of surveyed chief executive officers expect GenAI to have a material impact on their operations.

Despite this enthusiasm, the report highlights critical obstacles that could hinder effective deployment. Notably, 96 per cent of respondents identified outdated systems as a major hindrance, while 74 per cent acknowledged that their workforce lacks the necessary expertise to effectively utilise GenAI tools.

Wiggett highlighted the pivotal role of cloud-based solutions in addressing these challenges.

According to the report, 100 per cent of Chief Information Officers and Chief Technical Officers surveyed endorsed cloud solutions as key enablers for scalable and efficient GenAI deployments.

However, he cautioned that misaligned strategies remain a barrier; 63 per cent of organisations have yet to integrate their GenAI initiatives into broader business plans, which limits their return on investment. “Ethical considerations and regulatory clarity are equally critical,” Wiggett emphasised.

“While 85 per cent of respondents stressed the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility, 60 per cent admitted they lack formal GenAI usage policies. This leaves gaps in areas such as intellectual property protection.”

Additionally, 64 per cent pointed to unclear government regulations as a significant barrier to their GenAI strategies “Kenya’s journey toward GenAI adoption reflects a critical moment of opportunity. With the right investments in infrastructure, workforce readiness, and policy clarity, the country can unlock immense value and lead the way in leveraging this transformative technology for sustainable growth and innovation,” Wiggett said.

He called on both the private sector and government to collaborate in creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation while addressing ethical and regulatory concerns.
Policymakers are urged to establish clear guidelines that support responsible GenAI adoption and safeguard intellectual property.

Business leaders
Despite these challenges, optimism remains high among Kenyan business leaders. Over half of CEOs expect GenAI investments to drive significant organisational transformation within the next year.

This sentiment was evident at the Clients Innovation Day, where keynotes, panel discussions, and live demonstrations showcased GenAI’s potential to revolutionise industries—from personalized services to research and development.

This version maintains the original quotes while expanding on various aspects of Kenya’s potential for Generative AI transformation.