Leading Institutions in AI Research
Leading the charge in AI research in Kenya in the past year were Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and the University of Nairobi. JKUAT came out tops with 91 research papers, followed closely by UON with 90, a clear indication of their vast contribution to artificial intelligence.
The Scope of AI Technology
Artificial intelligence allows machines to mimic human intelligence in various, rather complex, tasks. It is, therefore, a transformative technology in most sectors, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and the military, thus showing the wide applicability of the technology.
Comparative Research Output
A recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report on AI research output singled out institutions in Kenya: JKUAT and UON were leading, with 51 and 36 publications, respectively. Others included Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Strathmore University, the International Livestock Research Institute, the World Agroforestry Centre, Egerton University, Kenyatta University with 51, the Kenya Medical Research Institute with 36 and Moi University with 35.
Investment in AI
A report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association indicated that Kenya took in $15 million in AI venture capital investment last year, far above the $2.9 million of Nigeria. Accordingly, AI applications are mainly used in agriculture at 49 per cent, while climate action and energy take 26 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.
Challenges to AI Adoption
Though much promising, the way to embracing this technology in Kenya is riddled with several challenges. Key challenges for its adoption include data scarcity, shortage of skilled professionals, inadequate technological infrastructure, and general lack of awareness. Other major challenges are low capacity for virtual storage and mobile technology that remains outdated.
Mr. Ken Okolo from the Raspberry Pi Foundation indicated a need for training skilled AI professionals who can ensure its effective utilization.
Potential Impact
With Kenya increasingly advancing in AI research and applications, the need to meet these identified challenges is timely for exploiting this transformative technology to the maximum. Proper investments and strategies can very well establish Kenya as one of the leading countries in AI in the African region.