On the 14^th of November 2024, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, through its Digital Skills and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (DSEAP) took part in the Microsoft launch of the AI National Skilling Initiative (AINSI) in Kenya! The AINSI program aims to equip organizational leaders, end users, developers, students, and SMEs with essential AI skills, positioning Kenya as a global hub for AI talent. The engagement focused on the importance of Building AI Skills in the workforce and regionally, to help drive long-term growth in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving market.

AI has brought a tremendous amount of change to the workforce in an incredibly short amount of time. While we know that AI is creating opportunities and building productivity and creativity into every role across the workforce around the world, we also know that this change requires a huge amount of adaptation. If this transformation is to be a positive one, it is essential to explore the potential impact of generative AI on the continent's macroeconomic landscape, labor market, and workforce development.

The Digital Skills and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (DSEAP) under the Youth and Jobs department at KEPSA is a project in strategic collaboration with Microsoft that continues to provide digital skilling, training and certification programs in the fields of Cloud, Generative AI, Cyber Security and Sustainability for over 50,000 young people and professionals in Kenya. These skills will enhance their employability and entrepreneurship potential in the digital economy, while fostering a vibrant and inclusive digital ecosystem in Kenya. In Phase I, DSEAP was able train over 13,000 young people on digital work readiness skills, connecting 1,200 of those trained to internship opportunities within the Private Sector.

As part of Phase II of the Digital Skills and Employment Advancement Program (DSEAP), KEPSA will be a key partner in the AI National Skilling Initiative, which aims to equip over 1 million individuals with AI skills over the next year. Expanding on the existing partnership, KEPSA will lead efforts to enhance AI capabilities within the private sector, targeting both organizational leaders and day-to-day users. Given that 75% of Kenya's workforce is within the private sector, KEPSA’s involvement will be essential to the initiative's success.

While giving her key remarks at the Launch, Ms Winnie Karanu, AI National Skills Director at Microsoft, highlighted how AI’s growth is outpacing other technologies, signalling an exciting shift for both businesses and individuals. But to fully realize AI's benefits, there’s a need to build fluency and understanding across sectors. The goal is to ensure that AI knowledge permeates every level of society—from research and development to practical applications in industries like agriculture, finance, and beyond.

‘The development of AI skills for young Kenyans and the workforce is a core priority. Programs aimed at skilling and upskilling are essential for ensuring our workforce is ready to contribute to a competitive, AI-powered economy. This initiative is not just about creating jobs but also about fostering a talent hub that positions Kenya as a leader on the global stage. Ultimately, as we work to build an inclusive AI ecosystem, we must remember that AI is here to empower, not replace. By fostering collaboration between private and public sectors, and by supporting innovation, we’re creating an environment where technology works for everyone.’ Said Ms Winnie.

Speaking during a press briefing, Dr Ehud Gachugu, Ag. Deputy CEO and Global Director of Youth & Jobs at KEPSA, noted the program, in particular, held strategic importance. By boosting efficiency and nurturing creativity across both the private and public sectors, it was helping to build a competitive economy that could stand out on a global stage. That partnership, and the work that came from it, was exactly what was needed to drive the economy forward.

‘This collaboration with Microsoft stands at the centre our mission. In a country where over 80% of businesses operate within the informal sector, there is a pressing need to increase access to skills—especially digital skills. We’ve seen significant growth in the digital economy through our efforts in skilling, and it’s transforming lives and livelihoods. Now, as we look to the future, we need to focus on upgrading and upskilling our youth, preparing them for careers in advanced fields like AI, which hold immense potential for growth. One of the greatest challenges we face as a country is building an environment where businesses can thrive amidst rapid technological advancements. We’re addressing this challenge by working to create policies and solutions that foster innovation and encourage businesses to embrace new technologies.’ Said Dr Ehud

The engagement also provided a deep dive training for organisational leaders and other key stakeholders on various topics including Responsible AI, Talent & Workforce, evolving cloud & AI policies in the region amongst other areas of interest. There were panel sessions and break out sessions covering different topics on AI evolution and business transformation.

In an engaging panel discussion moderated by Ms Irene Githinji, ADC Ecosystem Lead at Microsoft, other speakers included Dr Lawrence Nderu, Head of Computing at Jomo Kenyatta University, Mutembei Kariuki, CEO Fastagger, Ms Mumbi Ndungu, Executive Director at Power Learn Project and Dr Ehud Gachugu. The panel session covered important issues around ‘The impact of Generative AI on the future of work and skilling’

From his remarks, Dr Ehud emphasized the importance of such partnerships that not only focus on technical skills but also addresses the critical need for policies that promote digital infrastructure and enable job creation within the AI-driven economy. ‘Our work on policy evolution is crucial, especially as technology advances so quickly. While new policies are essential to guide and regulate AI, it’s also important to balance regulation with flexibility, allowing businesses to innovate. For instance, we’re closely monitoring and contributing to discussions on the National AI Strategy and cybersecurity policies, making sure they align with our economic goals and support the growth of SMEs. Ultimately, AI and digital transformation must be inclusive. This means creating opportunities that reach every corner of Kenya, including rural and underserved areas.’ Said Dr Ehud.

Additionally, from these discussions, Dr Lawrence Nderu noted that academic institutions are crucial in preparing students for the future of work, especially in AI and related technologies. ‘This includes updating curriculums, faculty training, and research initiatives focused on building advanced competencies. Microsoft has been a significant partner in these efforts, supporting AI-focused training for faculty and providing AI tools for students to foster an innovation-centric environment. We should focus on enabling local industries to harness the potential of AI effectively, ensuring that we don’t just adopt technology but actively shape it to suit our local context.’ Said Dr Lawrence.

Also sharing insights during the panel session, Mr Mutembei Kariuki shared how they are building tools that bring AI capabilities to small businesses through devices like mobile phones. ‘By utilizing edge AI, they enable SMEs, even those with limited internet access—to leverage machine learning for tasks such as inventory tracking and customer management. This approach is pivotal for sectors like healthcare and agriculture, where offline functionality can extend AI’s benefits to remote and underserved areas.’ highlighted Mr Mutembei.

Speaking on their initiative to bridge the skills gap among young Kenyans by offering scholarship programs, particularly in fields like Python programming and AI fundamentals, Ms Mumbi Ndungu explained the aspect of their work in promoting inclusion through scholarships for underrepresented communities, with a strong focus on gender equality by ensuring 40% of recipients are young women.

Vivian Kigada, Microsoft Modern Work Lead, Africa in her presentation, shared compelling examples of how businesses are transforming through AI, illustrating how AI reshapes traditional processes and drives impactful results. One example involved an organization using Microsoft’s Co-pilot for security within their operations centre, enhancing internal security measures with AI support. She expressed optimism about the future of AI and encouraged businesses to embrace the journey ahead, emphasizing that with the right foundation and partnerships, the opportunities for innovation and growth are boundless.

The session concluded with a call for a thoughtful approach to AI adoption, emphasizing that AI should align with both organizational goals and national interests.

From this engagement, it was clear that there’s a need for proactive measures to harness the potential of generative AI while mitigating its risks. This includes collaboration with industry, investing in education and training programs, fostering innovation, and creating a regulatory environment that promotes ethical AI development. The impact of generative AI on the future of work is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. This engagement sparked constructive dialogues that will lead to tangible solutions for skilling and workforce development in the age of AI.