Kenya is poised to become a leader in responsible artificial intelligence (AI) thanks to the launch of the UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund.
This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), aims to strengthen partnerships between Kenya and the UK while promoting the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies.
ACTS is a pioneering development research think tank on harnessing applications of science, technology, and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa.
Building a Robust AI Ecosystem
The UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund will prioritize projects that align with Kenya’s national AI strategy, focusing on critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and public services.
By emphasising safety, ethics, equity, and inclusion, the initiative strives to ensure that everyone in Kenya benefits from AI advancements.
“In support of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, we aim to establish an AI working group. This will be a platform where evidence-based policy decisions are nurtured and AI enhancements are promoted,” Ali Hussein, Chairperson, KICTANet Board of Trustees, said during the AI Challenge Fund Projects Launch on November 11, 2024.
“As the project managing firm for this initiative, KICTANet is dedicated to ensuring that every project funded under this Challenge Fund reflects the shared values of transparency, equity, and accountability,” he added.
Key Objectives
- Fostering Partnerships: The fund will nurture collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from Kenya and the UK.
- Advancing AI Governance: A robust framework for ethical and responsible AI practices will be established.
- Empowering Institutions: Kenyan institutions will gain the ability to conduct cutting-edge AI research and innovation.
- Creating Real-World Solutions: Projects addressing pressing societal challenges through innovative AI applications will be supported.
Collaboration for Progress
This initiative builds upon the existing UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) partnership with the Kenyan government, focusing on narrowing the digital divide in specific countries.
Ms Emmeline Skinner, a representative of the UK’s East Africa Research and Innovation Hub, highlighted the challenge fund’s importance for catalyzing change, fostering collaboration, and facilitating knowledge exchange.
Responsible AI for a Better Future
The ultimate goal is to harness AI’s potential to drive positive change across Kenya. This includes improving access to education and healthcare, reducing poverty and inequality, creating new jobs, protecting the environment, and bolstering governance and security.
By prioritising ethical considerations, the project ensures that AI benefits everyone in Kenya, not just a select few.
The UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund serves as a model for responsible AI development on a global scale. The collaborative effort highlights the importance of partnerships and knowledge sharing to ensure AI unlocks its full potential for good.
