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On the cusp of a new dawn? Microsoft’s Kiswahili AI model to bridge tech inclusivity gap
Kiswahili scored a first in 2023 after it was picked as the only sub-Saharan language among 40 other global dialects to be taken on board at the launch of Google’s launch of its generative AI dubbed Bard. PHOTO | SHUTTERSTOCK
Last week’s announcement by tech giant Microsoft that it will support the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) model in Kiswahili as part of its grand plan to invest up to $1 billion (Sh132.5 billion) in Kenya’s digital ecosystem has elicited excitement around local tech circles, with experts expressing optimism that this could be the magic wand to drive uptake among native communities.
Microsoft said the initiative will be geared toward supporting Kenya’s unique cultural and linguistic needs, noting that its implementing partner, Emirati AI firm, G42, has already begun training an open-source large language AI model in Kiswahili and English through its data infrastructure in the US.
