- Kenya has made significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, positioning itself as one of the top AI-ready nations in Africa.
The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has highlighted the importance of digital technology and innovation citing that it forms the basis of building prosperous and sustainable communities.
Gachagua made these remarks while launching the 41st International Association of Science Parks (IASP) and Areas of Innovation World Conference on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Nairobi, where he was representing president Ruto.
He acknowledged that Kenya has advanced in imbuing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in into key economic sectors driving national development. The DP urged African countries to embrace technology majorly driven by Artificial Intelligence in order to be at par with developed countries.
“Kenya and Africa cannot prosper by consuming imported technology and innovation only. We have unique resources and challenges, which must inform our deliberate and strategic investment in research and development as a precursor to customised solutions,” he said.
The conference’s opening was graced by ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary and IASP Africa President John Tanui and his Broadcasting and Telecommunications counterpart Edward Kisiang'ani.
In his speech, Gachagua noted that the countries with innovators and tech leading initiatives have infused Artificial Intelligence in all the key sectors of the economy thereby boosting its growth rate.
The DP lauded IASP’s role in promoting science parks as catalysts for regional and global economic growth through stimulating innovation and supporting the development of new technologies and businesses.
“On behalf of President William Ruto and the People of the Republic of Kenya, we thank the IASP, for this special recognition. It is an affirmation of Nairobi, and Kenya, as the emerging and towering epicentre of Digital Innovation and Technology Revolution in Africa, and the World,” he said.
The DP reiterated the Kenyan government's commitment to implementing and integrating ICT to power and drive sustainable socio-economic transformation by use of digital strategy to be initiated by the Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy.
Kenya has made significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, positioning itself as one of the top AI-ready nations in Africa. Recent developments include AI applications in various sectors, and recently the introduction of East Africa’s first “Robot Café” in Nairobi.
