Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key tool for governments and organizations to streamline processes and deliver services more efficiently. Kenya is no exception, with President William Ruto’s administration at the forefront of incorporating AI into governance and service delivery. As the country strives to position itself as a leader in the digital age, AI is being leveraged to address critical challenges, improve decision-making, and create jobs for Kenya’s youthful population.
During a meeting with US tech giants on September 11, 2024, President Ruto highlighted the pivotal role AI plays in his administration’s development strategy. He outlined how AI is already being utilized in key sectors, including education, agriculture, and healthcare. The implementation of AI is expected to continue expanding as the government works closely with Parliament to enact necessary legislation to regulate the technology.
This article delves into the ways in which AI is reshaping service delivery in Kenya under Ruto’s leadership, the challenges it poses, and the long-term implications for the country’s socio-economic growth.
AI-Driven University Funding Model
One of the most significant applications of AI in Kenya’s public sector is the new university funding model. President Ruto emphasized that AI plays a crucial role in determining the amount of financial assistance students receive based on their needs. This funding model considers the financial status of the students’ parents and distributes resources accordingly.
“We are leveraging AI to create an algorithm that gives us insights into the financial status of each parent,” said Ruto. By utilizing AI-powered means-testing instruments, the government aims to ensure equitable distribution of funds to students from different economic backgrounds. The use of AI in this context allows for a more personalized and data-driven approach, enabling a more targeted allocation of financial aid.
This AI-backed approach not only improves efficiency but also minimizes human error and bias in the decision-making process. It ensures that funds reach the most deserving students, thereby promoting inclusivity and helping bridge the gap in access to higher education for students from marginalized communities.
AI in Agricultural Support
Beyond education, AI is revolutionizing Kenya’s agricultural sector, a vital pillar of the country’s economy. The government has started using AI to manage the distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers. This AI-powered system identifies farmers’ specific needs based on their geographical locations, crop types, and previous farming practices.
“We are using AI to disaggregate how we distribute fertilizers to farmers,” President Ruto noted. This move aims to maximize agricultural productivity by ensuring that farmers receive the correct type and quantity of fertilizer tailored to their specific circumstances.
AI’s integration into the agricultural sector comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with food insecurity exacerbated by climate change and population growth. By optimizing resource distribution, AI can help mitigate these challenges, boosting yields and fostering food security.
AI in Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Healthcare is another area where the Ruto administration is leveraging AI to provide critical services. AI is being utilized to identify beneficiaries of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, particularly through the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The government uses AI algorithms to assess the financial status of individuals and households, identifying those who cannot afford healthcare and thus requiring government subsidies.
“We are using AI for the beneficiaries of our Universal Health Coverage, where the government has to pay for those who cannot afford it,” President Ruto explained. This AI-driven approach allows the government to efficiently allocate health resources and ensure that no Kenyan is left behind due to financial constraints.
UHC is a key pillar of the Kenyan government’s development agenda, and AI’s role in its implementation will likely expand as more data becomes available. By leveraging AI, the government can create more accurate predictive models that identify vulnerable populations, streamline service delivery, and improve health outcomes.
Addressing the Challenges of AI Adoption
While the potential benefits of AI in governance are immense, President Ruto acknowledged that AI also presents significant challenges. One of the primary concerns is the proliferation of generative AI, which has facilitated the rise of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. These AI-driven tools can create content that is indistinguishable from legitimate news, making it difficult for people to discern fact from fiction.
“The challenge we have with AI is the generative stuff—fake news, misinformation, disinformation, some of it that people can hardly know what is true from what is not. It is quite a mess,” Ruto remarked.
The Kenyan government is working closely with Parliament to address these challenges through legislation. Efforts are underway to regulate AI-generated content and establish standards that combat fake news in the digital space. Ruto’s administration recognizes that while AI can greatly enhance service delivery, unchecked misinformation could undermine public trust and destabilize the very systems it aims to improve.
Another pressing issue is cybersecurity. As AI systems handle sensitive data, they become prime targets for cyber-attacks. The Ruto administration is keenly aware of the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect AI infrastructure and the data it processes. The government is working to enhance its cybersecurity framework, ensuring that data integrity is maintained and that AI systems remain secure from external threats.
AI and Job Creation
In addition to improving service delivery, AI is seen as a tool for creating jobs in Kenya. President Ruto noted that the country is actively exploring how to harness technology, including AI, to create digital jobs for its population, particularly the youth.
The rapid pace of technological advancement has created new opportunities in fields such as data science, machine learning, and software development. Kenya’s vibrant tech ecosystem, particularly in Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah, has already seen a surge in startups and tech enterprises. By embracing AI, the government aims to position Kenya as a hub for innovation and digital job creation in Africa.
“In our plan to deal with challenges that face our demographics, we are working on how we are going to use technology to create digital jobs,” Ruto said.
However, the rise of AI also raises concerns about job displacement. As AI systems automate tasks previously performed by humans, there is a risk that some jobs could become obsolete. To address this, the Kenyan government is focusing on upskilling and reskilling the workforce, ensuring that workers are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
The Road Ahead for AI in Kenya
As Kenya embarks on its AI journey, the Ruto administration is determined to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and mitigating its risks. Parliament’s ongoing efforts to pass legislation on AI regulation will be critical in shaping the country’s AI landscape. The government is also working to create an enabling environment for innovation, fostering partnerships with tech companies and international stakeholders.
AI’s role in service delivery will continue to expand as the technology becomes more integrated into governance. From personalized university funding to smart agricultural practices and healthcare coverage, AI holds the potential to transform how the Kenyan government serves its citizens. However, careful regulation and strong cybersecurity measures will be essential to ensuring that the technology is used responsibly and ethically.
As President Ruto continues to champion AI, Kenya’s digital future looks bright, with opportunities for innovation, job creation, and improved public services. However, the path forward must be navigated carefully to ensure that the benefits of AI are realized while addressing its inherent challenges. With the right policies and investments, AI could become a powerful force for progress in Kenya’s journey toward sustainable development and inclusive growth.
