Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery Management in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, has urged Kenyan universities to swiftly adopt and shape artificial intelligence (AI) in order to attain sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Delivering a speech at the launch of a two-day international, multidisciplinary conference at Rongo University in Migori County, Owalo stressed the urgency of crafting an African-centred AI strategy deep-rooted in ethical principles, inclusivity and alignment with local needs.
The conference, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for a Sustainable Future and Advancing Global Resilience,” attracted scholars, technologists and policymakers.
“Are we merely training students to pass exams, or are we equipping them for life? Are we teaching them to obey instructions, or empowering them to solve real-world problems?” Owalo asked.
He challenged universities to go beyond basic digital literacy and take a leading role in developing locally-relevant, responsible and impactful AI solutions that address the challenges.
He also highlighted how AI and other emerging technologies can bolster and reshape major sectors in society, highlighting that AI is no longer a futuristic idea but a present-day reality with transformative potential.
“In agriculture, AI is advancing precision farming, resolving food insecurity, in education, it expands access, which enhances adaptive learning and tailors learning experiences,” he noted.
“In disaster management, it enhances preparedness, in a participatory manner, through risk mapping and an early warning system. In healthcare, it enables early diagnosis, personalised treatment and remote care, while in finance, it accelerates financial inclusion and broadens access to institutions.”
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