As the world continues to learn about the capabilities and implications of the emerging technology of Artificial intelligence (AI), Amazon launched the New Amazon AI initiative, its “AI Ready” commitment aimed at providing free AI skills training to 2 million people globally by 2025 and Kenyans are among those who will benefit from the program, the company set forth on Wednesday.
Speaking during the discussions on the future of Africa’s Digital Economic Landscape at the Connected Africa Summit 2024 held at Uhuru Gardens in the country’s capital, Nairobi, the Regional Lead (Public Sector) of West, East and Central Africa at Amazon Web Services (AWS) Robin Njiru said that the free AI training programs will remove cost as a barrier to accessing critical skills in artificial intelligence and, careerwise, it will set apart those who will take advantage of them and study after their research in collaboration with public policy consultancy Access Partnership found out that;
* Hiring AI-skilled talent is a priority for 73% of employers – but among these, three out of four say they are unable to meet their AI talent needs
* Employers expect their workers to earn up to 47% more in salaries if they upskill in AI
* AI will become more integral to the way business is done, with 93% of businesses expecting they will be using AI solutions across their organizations in the next five years
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“Through our ‘AI Ready’ commitment, we are on a mission to democratize AI education and open opportunities for Kenyans in the workforce today and help the next generation benefit from the tremendous opportunity ahead,” Mr Njiru said.
The Amazon AI courses will give Kenyans the opportunity to comprehensively learn the technology and get training services for free through different theoretical and hands-on approaches fit for newbies, those reskilling, and the ones upskilling.
Some AI topics covered include Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing, including, but not limited to, Generative Artificial Intelligence for business and nontechnical audiences and Foundations of Prompt Engineering for developers.
Available during the event was Principal Secretary (PS) John Kipchumba Tanui of the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, who, on his part, acknowledged that worldwide, AI, the science of making machines that can think like humans, is revolutionizing jobs and workplaces with a promise of improved productivity through applications like task automation.
“Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform industries and revolutionize the way we work and live. Today, the need for an AI-savvy workforce has never been greater. The Kenyan tech sector continues to be a stable source of growth and economic security in the country, and by equipping millions of Kenyans with AI skills, we are not only preparing individuals for the jobs of tomorrow but also driving innovation and economic prosperity for the entire nation” he stated.
The ICT PS commended Amazon’s artificial intelligence initiative for its plan to equip the citizens with basic skills in AI systems for best practices when harnessing its potentially game-changing cyber capabilities to benefit all.
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