Kenyans have been urged to leverage the country's investments in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to create jobs and boost productivity. According to Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, the focus should be on equipping citizens with relevant digital and AI skills while supporting workers and sectors likely to experience challenges due to technological advances.
Isaboke made the remarks during a workshop on Kenya's Digital and AI Dividend themed 'From Promise to Practical Action' held at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi. He cited World Bank analysis showing that about 87 per cent of Kenyan workers are in occupations with relatively low direct exposure to AI, while nine per cent are in highly exposed occupations where AI is likely to complement their work.
The World Bank analysis also revealed that about four per cent of workers are in highly exposed occupations facing greater displacement risks. Isaboke said the focus should shift from whether AI would take jobs to how workers and institutions could prepare for an economy where AI becomes an important tool for productivity and innovation.
To achieve this, Isaboke said Kenya needed broad AI literacy among citizens, public servants, teachers, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and informal workers, alongside advanced capabilities among researchers, developers, and data specialists. He also emphasized the need for Kenya to become a builder and innovator of AI solutions rather than merely a consumer.
The government has established a policy and institutional foundation for the digital economy through initiatives such as the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, National E-Commerce Strategy 2023, and National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030. The next step is to strengthen digital infrastructure, data governance, interoperability, and secure information exchange while ensuring AI development respects privacy and citizens' rights.
Isaboke said the digital and AI dividend would not be realised simply because technology is available, but its value would be demonstrated through improved productivity for farmers, expanded markets for MSMEs, better learning, faster public services, and new opportunities for young Kenyans. He called for stronger partnerships among government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners to translate Kenya's digital potential into inclusive economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.
The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss how Kenya can harness its digital and AI potential to drive economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens. By doing so, the country can unlock the benefits of AI and ensure that its citizens reap the rewards of technological advancements.
Key points
- Kenya must focus on equipping citizens with relevant digital and AI skills to translate investments in technology into productive ventures and improved public services.
- The government has established a policy and institutional foundation for the digital economy through initiatives such as the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030.
- Stronger partnerships among government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners are needed to translate Kenya's digital potential into inclusive economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.
