AI revolution: Lessons from history and the opportunities for Kenya

AI represents the next great chapter in Kenya’s development, much like the revolutions Harari chronicles in Sapiens.

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In Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari recounts the key revolutions that shaped human history—the cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions.

Harari observes that Homo sapiens gained dominance over other species, like Neanderthals, due to their unique ability to cooperate, innovate, and share complex ideas.

These capabilities enabled humans to create shared systems, advance technologically, and overcome existential challenges.

Today, Kenya faces a similar transformative moment with artificial intelligence (AI), a force that holds the potential to redefine its economy, society, and cultural identity, much like past revolutions reshaped humanity.

The incredible power that AI has also poses other challenges. AI’s integration into African societies raises profound ethical questions. For instance, the rise of algorithm-driven social media platforms has been linked to the spread of misinformation and the erosion of traditional storytelling in many African communities.

Bias in AI systems also presents a significant challenge. For example, algorithms trained on global datasets often fail to consider local contexts, potentially perpetuating stereotypes or excluding minority groups.

To avoid these pitfalls, AI development in Kenya must prioritize inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and ethical oversight, ensuring that technology complements rather than overrides African ways of life.

Despite its challenges, AI presents significant economic opportunities for Kenya, with its value chain—encompassing data collection, algorithm development, deployment, and application—poised to create jobs and drive GDP growth if strategically harnessed.

By leveraging local datasets, such as agricultural patterns, health statistics, and cultural insights, Kenya can develop AI solutions tailored to its unique needs. In healthcare, predictive analytics can improve disease prevention and treatment in underserved rural areas.

Similarly, adaptive learning platforms in education can address disparities by providing personalised instruction in local languages, fostering inclusive growth across sectors.

Kenya’s thriving tech ecosystem positions it as a regional leader in innovation. Investments in cloud infrastructure, local data centres, and startups can create jobs and attract foreign investment. Partnerships between academia and industry will ensure research aligns with market needs, while fostering a skilled workforce to drive adoption.

Harari underscores that human progress depends on collective action and adaptability. However, history also teaches that unregulated power and inequality can hinder progress.

AI represents the next great chapter in Kenya’s development, much like the revolutions Harari chronicles in Sapiens. It holds the potential to create jobs, boost GDP, and improve lives.

By integrating responsible AI, governance frameworks, and fostering inclusivity, Kenya can navigate the AI revolution in a way that enhances its society and solidifies its position as a leader in Africa’s tech landscape.

The writer is an AI and data governance expert. Email: [email protected]

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