Technology company Sama has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Nairobi (UoN) aimed at advancing critical skills to optimize the use of Generative AI (GenAI) across industries in Kenya.

Through this collaboration, UoN students and faculty will gain valuable exposure to the dynamic Gen AI in a deal that will involve part-time employment opportunities at Sama. The partnership includes comprehensive training, equipment, materials, and dedicated workspaces to support their involvement.

Nairobi based Sama is a global leader in data annotation and model evaluation for major artificial intelligence (AI) projects worldwide.

UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama, lauded the partnership, stating, “Our partnership with Sama presents a significant step forward for students and faculty, providing a unique platform for students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, enhancing their learning and experience and better preparing them for the demands of the AI industry.” 

The timing of this partnership aligns with UoN's initiative to establish an AI School, aimed at cultivating skilled professionals for the future workforce.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Nairobi to foster the next generation of AI talent in Kenya. This partnership underscores our commitment to driving innovation and creating opportunities for the youth to excel in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. By providing students with practical experience, we are investing in the future of AI and contributing to the growth of the technology sector in Kenya,” said Annepeace Alwala, Vice President Global Service Delivery at Sama.

Read also: Parliament to embrace AI in generating reports

This collaboration underscores Sama's dedication to national economic development goals outlined in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA). It represents a significant stride in bridging the digital divide, promising to uplift communities, nurture talent, and position Kenya within the global AI ecosystem.

In a global survey on over 4,700 CEOs in the world last year, advisory firm PwC established that although CEOs see generative AI as a tool that will increase their work efficiency, they also expressed their concerns about its unintended consequences. 

According to the survey, 78 percent of CEOs believe that this year, the unintended consequences of AI will increase their exposure to cyber attacks. 

“The pace of technological change is happening faster than the institutional capacity to adapt to it. With the rise of generative AI, and its potential and attendant risks, CEOs must create a culture in which companies move fast but with a commitment to managing risk," asserted Laolu Akindele, Technology Partner, PwC Kenya.

Akindele added that, "East African CEOs are cautious about integrating AI into their operations, and many believe that generative AI could heighten their cybersecurity risks, potentially hindering their company’s growth. CEOs should weave cybersecurity objectives into their business priorities to promote strategic dialogue between the board, CEO and the rest of the C-suite. Creating long-term value will require investment in skills and culture, risk and governance, as well as cloud and data infrastructure. Used responsibly, AI has the potential to enhance productivity and drive growth,”

[email protected]