By Sharon Kiburi
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya has made significant strides in technological advancement, particularly in mobile technology and financial services. The world is changing, and technology is becoming integral to our society and culture.
The Kenya ICT Sector Working Group has made several recommendations to improve the country’s Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) sector. These recommendations include updating existing policies and regulations, as the current policies and laws were last updated in 1998 and must be modernised to reflect technological advancements. Additionally, the group has suggested the establishment of a new ICT authority to help streamline the regulatory environment and promote innovation.
Furthermore, there is a growing need for investment in digital infrastructure. The government should invest more in digital infrastructure, such as broadband internet and data centres, to significantly improve connectivity and accessibility. This investment will bridge the digital divide and stimulate economic growth. It is also crucial to promote digital skills development by investing in programs to develop digital skills among the young population. Additionally, creating a conducive environment for innovation is vital. The government should reduce barriers to entry for startups and support research and development to foster innovation.
Due to its innovative spirit and entrepreneurial ecosystem, it is often called the “Silicon Savannah.” Some areas where Kenya is considered to be leading in technological advancements are M-Pesa, Mobile Internet, Fintech Innovation, E-Government and agriculture technology.
However, there is room for improvement in adopting the need to bridge policy gaps for artificial intelligence (AI) and data science in global health. Focusing on the unique needs and perspectives of the Pan-African region is a crucial initiative. It is adept at addressing the challenges and opportunities of leveraging AI and data science.
In a report presentation titled “Uncovering AI Policy Gaps in Global Health: An African Perspective,” West Africa Demonstrates A Stronger Distribution Of Experts.
Dr Uzma Alam, Senior Programme Officer at the SFA Foundation and lead of Science Policy Engagement, pointed out that North Africa is more advanced in AI governance, national programs, and the use of AI in health, while South Africa is still developing its AI research and development landscape, with less focus on governance. Dr Alam noted that it’s unclear why West Africa has more AI experts than South African countries. She mentioned that experts may have self-identified using different criteria, which could explain the discrepancy between the two regions.
Only 2% of the respondents in the survey “Unveiling Diverse Perspectives” were policymakers. The survey targeted researchers, policymakers, the private sector, and civil society. Dr Alam explained that while the low percentage of policymakers is concerning, it reflects the current gap in science policy. Despite this, the study managed to engage policymakers through other formats, such as convenings and key informant interviews. Importantly, high-level decision-makers have started using the findings to influence policy pathways.
“The immediate risk of AI policies housed in ICT ministries is that they can influence or affect AI in the health sector. This can present challenges in understanding the nuanced requirements of healthcare systems, potentially affecting the design and implementation of AI solutions tailored to healthcare needs,” said Dr. Alam. Moreover, she said it would make ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations challenging, leading to potential legal and ethical concerns regarding patient safety and data protection.
“We are calling for a cross-government approach to regulating AI, with collaboration led by the ministries of health, finance, and gender. This will involve co-developing, co-implementing, and co-monitoring gender policies, strategies, and tools with engagement from multiple stakeholders starting from the design stage,” said Dr. Alam.
African countries’ AI policies and strategies focus more on healthcare applications and supporting AI startups. However, it’s crucial to address the gap in governance for AI use in health. Guidelines for AI’s ethical and responsible use in healthcare are necessary to balance innovation with ethical, safety, and societal considerations.
“There are few references to gender, women, and youth. When mentioned, these are typically just statements of intent without detailed plans,” said Dr Alam. Gender, which refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, skills, and interests expected of men and women based on their biological sex, plays a crucial role in shaping societal norms and opportunities. Therefore, failing to prioritise gender inclusivity may hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fulfilling the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 20/30. These frameworks emphasise the use of STIs not only to address systemic inequalities but also to ensure that women can fully contribute to and benefit from the digital and technological advancements that are driving Africa’s future.
Dr Alam emphasised that we need effective policies to implement AI solutions fairly and human-centeredly, thereby missing the opportunity to utilise AI’s potential for addressing development and global health challenges. On the other hand, with proper human-centred governance and considering African needs such as the urban-rural divide, African knowledge systems, and ethical access, the potential of AI in addressing African public health challenges is limitless.
Juma Saleika, CEO of Africa Gen AI Lab, presents “Jasiri AI: Agriculture with Crowdsourced Data and GenAI,” integrating AI technology into the agricultural sector. African agriculture is critical to ensuring food security and economic development. However, millions of African farmers face significant challenges, such as unpredictable weather patterns, crop-devastating pests and diseases, and limited access to resources and information.
Traditional farming methods could be more efficient, resulting in low yields and making it difficult for farmers to ensure food security for their families and communities.Dr “Jasiri AI was created in response to the recognition of the need for innovative solutions to address these challenges and empower African farmers,” said Saleika.
Saleika mentions that Jasiri Al builds more than just regular Al models. He explains, “We develop agentic Al models that go a step further. These models can analyse data and provide farmers with proactive recommendations and insights.
Furthermore, Saleika explained that an agentic model could suggest using fertiliser based on real-time soil moisture data or recommend pest control measures based on weather forecasts. In addition, Jasiri Al acknowledges the vast diversity of agricultural conditions across Africa. “Our models are tailored to consider factors such as specific soil types, crop varieties, and regional weather patterns.”
By providing farmers with AI-powered insights and promoting collaboration across the Agritech sector, Jasiri AI has the potential to transform African agriculture significantly. Imagine farmers receiving real-time recommendations on their smartphones that can help them increase crop yields, reduce losses from pests and diseases, and make better use of resources. This can enhance food security and improve livelihoods for African farmers and their communities.
Jasiri AI is not only focused on building models; it is also about empowering farmers and encouraging collaboration within the Agritech sector. Mr. Saleika said, “Jasiri AI is more than just a platform; it’s a movement. We invite farmers, Agritech startups, researchers, and anyone who shares our vision of a food-secure Africa to join us. It leverages the collective knowledge and data from African farmers to build powerful, localized AI models.”
The question remains: To what extent are African countries currently experiencing transformations in their agriculture and health due to the adoption and implementation of AI? AI in agriculture and health could significantly improve precision farming, disease detection, and yield prediction. AI can aid in early disease diagnosis, drug discovery, personalised treatment, and remote healthcare.
