Kenya is on the verge of a Generative AI (GenAI) transformation as business leaders express optimism about its potential to reshape industries and drive innovation in the country and in the East African region. However, significant challenges such as legacy infrastructure, skills shortages, and regulatory gaps must be addressed to fully harness the benefits of this groundbreaking technology.
Speaking at the NTT DATA Clients Innovation Day in Nairobi, Mr Chris Wiggett, Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data, and Analytics at NTT DATA in the Middle East and Africa, stressed the importance of a holistic approach to addressing these challenges. He noted that while Kenyan organisations are poised to lead a digital transformation, success will depend on targeted investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and the establishment of clear regulatory and ethical frameworks.
“Kenya has the opportunity to become a leader in GenAI adoption across Africa. By investing in infrastructure, skills development, and ethical frameworks, businesses can unlock immense value and drive sustainable innovation. Today’s discussions at Innovation Day are a step forward in empowering organizations to navigate this transformative journey,” Mr Wiggett noted.
Data from this year’s NTT DATA Global GenAI report show that Kenyan organisations are keen to adopt GenAI, with 100% of the surveyed CEOs expecting it to have a material impact on their operations. Despite this enthusiasm, the report highlights critical obstacles, including outdated systems, which 96% of respondents identified as a major hindrance to effective deployment, and a significant skills gap, with 74% acknowledging that their workforce lacks the necessary expertise to effectively utilise GenAI tools.
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Mr Wiggett highlighted the pivotal role of cloud-based solutions, which were endorsed by 100% of CIOs and CTOs surveyed as key to enabling scalable and efficient GenAI deployments. However, he cautioned that misaligned strategies remain a barrier, with 63% of organizations yet to integrate their GenAI initiatives into broader business plans, limiting their return on investment.
“Ethical considerations and regulatory clarity are equally critical. While 85% of respondents emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility, 60% of organizations admitted they lack formal GenAI usage policies, leaving gaps in areas such as intellectual property protection. Additionally, 64% pointed to unclear government regulations as a significant barrier to their GenAI strategies,” Mr Wiggett said.
In addition, he noted that “Kenya’s journey towards GenAI adoption reflects a critical moment of opportunity. With the right investments in infrastructure, workforce readiness, and policy clarity, the country can unlock immense value and lead the way in leveraging this transformative technology for sustainable growth and innovation.
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Meanwhile, Mr Wiggett called on both the private sector and the government to collaborate in creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation while addressing ethical and regulatory concerns. He urged policymakers to establish clear guidelines that support responsible GenAI adoption, safeguard intellectual property, and create an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. Over half of CEOs in Kenya expect GenAI investments to drive significant organizational transformation next year. This sentiment was evident at the Clients Innovation Day, where keynotes, panel discussions, and live demonstrations showcased GenAI’s potential to revolutionize industries, from personalized services to research and development.
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