By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kenya is seeking to build a
global network of Kenyan artificial intelligence and emerging technology
experts to support the country’s AI Lab and develop practical solutions for
public services, businesses and young people.
Principal Secretary for the
State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, said
the initiative followed discussions with Kenyan AI expert Martin O. Ouko on the
sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Tanui was accompanied during
the meeting by Dr Mark Matunga, a Kenyan ICT professional whose career has
spanned Kenya and the diaspora, including the United States.
Ouko is Vice President,
Emerging Technologies and AI Enablement at MUFG, where he leads AI product
vision and strategy for the company’s Americas business.
Tanui said he was
particularly interested in discussions around MUFG’s evolution lab and its work
to turn AI ideas into practical solutions.
The discussions resulted in
an agreement to continue the engagement and explore the development of a global
network of AI experts to support Kenya’s AI Lab.
According to Tanui, the
experience of Kenyans working at the forefront of technology around the world
can contribute to the development of tools capable of improving public
services, supporting enterprises and creating opportunities for young people.
The proposed network would
connect Kenya with expertise from its technology professionals in the diaspora
and strengthen collaboration around practical applications of AI and emerging
technologies.
