NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has taken a big step towards utilising the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), announcing that it will create a comprehensive national AI strategy.
Through its Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, the Kenyan government is conducting consultations to establish a national strategy for AI and emerging technologies. Qhala and, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), and other partners are supporting this process.
This demonstrates its dedication to offering strategic direction for AI’s creation, uptake, and ethical and responsible application in Kenya.
Mary Kirema, the Secretary for E-government and the Digital Economy believes that AI advancements will help drive Kenya’s digital expansion.
“AI is not only going to transform our healthcare sector but also the digital economy,” said Kirema during the Health Sector AI Town Hall, hosted by Qhala in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD).
How financial constraints are taking a toll on Kenyan patients
According to Kirema, people are desperate about issues to do with healthcare due to the financial constraints that they have to endure while seeking treatment.
“We need to look at ways to better people’s lives, and this can only be achieved by rallying behind this strategy. This strategy is for all of us and not for the Kenyan government,” Kirema explained.
While recognising the obstacles this cutting-edge technology presents, Kirema also acknowledged how AI has the potential to lead Kenya’s digital transformation and help the country achieve the SDGs.
“This strategy is a significant step forward for Kenya in harnessing the power of AI for sustainable development and social inclusion,” added Kirema.
How AI systems are helping doctors in quality service delivery
In the modern world, doctors can now access vital information and complete jobs more quickly thanks to AI systems and apps, which are changing the medical industry.
AI has the potential to significantly enhance the delivery of healthcare by automating repetitive operations and streamlining procedures.
Qhala has vowed to utilise Kenya’s strong data collection skills to improve healthcare results over the last five years.
Among its noteworthy undertakings are advising the government on COVID-19 pandemic quarantine regulations and evaluating and pointing out the healthcare and educational systems in Nandi County’s strong and weak points.
These programs only show how AI may improve Kenya’s healthcare system.
What are the steps Kenya is taking to advance its AI strategy
Meanwhile, the first step in Kenya’s effort to create a national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy was the Town Hall Kirema attended on Friday, September 6, 2024.
The one-day event brought together essential players in the health sector, such as policymakers, tech experts, civil society members, and medical professionals.
Key topics during the discussion included safeguarding patient data and using ethical AI in healthcare, using AI to improve operational effectiveness and patient outcomes, resolving disparities in health and guaranteeing fair access to AI technologies.
Others were recommendations for policies integrating AI in the healthcare industry, constructing the digital infrastructure required to enable AI in healthcare and advancements in disease prevention and medical research powered by AI.
Additionally, this event’s results will significantly shape the development of the National AI Strategy Health Sector.
Key figures involved in the event included Dr Shikoh Gitau, Founder and CEO of Qhala; David Lemayian, an AI expert and contributor to the National AI Strategy who runs Qhala’s AI work; and Dr Fred Mutisya, a leading medical practitioner who developed an open-source AI app for doctors.
While developing the National AI Strategy Health Sector, the Kenyan government and its partners hold this Town Hall as the first of many.
