eMobilis hosts the inaugural Ajira Artificial Intelligence Workers Conference in Nairobi – KBC

In an era of technological advancement, the integration of human intelligence and artificial intelligence has become a driving force behind innovation.

To promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking within the rapidly growing community of AI professionals, eMobilis, one of the partners of the Ajira Digital program, organized the first conference of intelligent workers artificial under the theme “AIforAll” in Nairobi to share their experiences in the gig and digital economy.

A network of over 60 young AI enthusiasts, researchers, developers and industry professionals provided a platform for artificial intelligence enthusiasts to connect, exchange ideas and best practices on the role of Artificial Intelligence in the development of the ability to prepare for digital work, to expand career opportunities. in the ecosystem of the digital economy, the use of public and private partnerships as incentives to encourage the development of independent people in the economy, while we stay aware of the latest trends and successes in this sector .

Kenya so far has 2500 Artificial Intelligence experts including machine learning, and data science experts among others according to AI Kenya.

While there are legitimate skeptics about the rapidly advancing technology, there are also many examples of artificial intelligence proving that it is improving the future.

“AI will change the workforce, it won’t eliminate jobs, but it can complement them. AI has the potential to bring about many positive changes in society, including improved productivity, improved health care, and increased access to education. eMobilis and Ajira Digital are committed to supporting the online workforce because of the many benefits that youth can receive including mental health support. , networking and referrals, crowdfunding, industry development, advocacy among others. For example, as young people and AI enthusiasts, you should raise the power of the community to guide which bills are needed to be transferred to support this ecosystem. Also, the community allows you to develop products and be a resource and source of talent for overseas companies looking for top talent. outstanding talent in this area. ” Ken Mwenda, Co-Founder and Managing Director, eMobilis Technical Training Center said.

“Did you know that Sama (formerly known as samasource), a company involved in the Chat GPT Open AI measurement is based in Kenya? This means that Kenyan youth have the right skills , the power and attitude to contribute to the development of global innovations. The government through the Ajira Digital program aims to promote AI in the country, which ultimately drives production throughout the gig and digital economy As of 2023 alone, Ajira Digital has trained and trained more than 300 AI professionals to take up digital and digital career opportunities, and the good thing is that Ajira Digital’s curriculum has input from industry experts that enable young people to acquire knowledge. skills to prepare for work to participate in digital and digital work opportunities,” he added.

Joan Mbesya, co-founder and CEO, Tech Mindset AI Africa said AI is taking everyone where they will encounter AI in some way. He encouraged the youth not to abandon what they are studying but to learn AI instead.

“My vision is to be an AI influencer in Africa. I understand AI from the point of view of every job. In the next five years if you are looking for a job and you don’t have AI you will be replaced by AI. From your site, don’t leave what you are learning. What I would recommend is to learn the application of AI within your area of ​​expertise because the organizations you will work for will not. continues without integrating AI. At TechMindset we have taught more than 2000 people in Africa about AI and Machine Learning, in six different countries and implemented fifteen projects, Mbesya said.

“KEPSA has engaged more than 100,000 young people in digital and digital work. The topic of AI is interesting to me and to KEPSA because the labor market is changing and every day we have to adapt to new changes in the labor market,” said Alice Kimani, Head of Scale of Intention- Ajira Digital and Youth Employment.

“Besides the Ajira digital program, KEPSA is also implementing other programs such as digital skills and career development in partnership with Microsoft and seeks to train businesses on topics such as AI, cloud computing, Cyber ​​​​security and sustainability. Skills are aimed at bridging the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what is needed in the industry. Another program is the Twende digital program in partnership with Talent Firm Youth Employment more than 3,000 for young people with the use of small and medium enterprises. So if you do not intend to get a job but you are going to start your own business. My appeal to young people is to invest in new skills as skills are changing every day, and keep abreast of what is happening in the job market.” He added.

Abdiaziz Ibrahim, an AI expert working on a project called ‘KITRO’ which uses AI to tackle the challenge of food waste, said the aim of the project was to collect data using KITRO to determine the amount of food waste without providing business intelligence. on how to prevent food waste.

“KITRO helps collect data on wasted food, we label and categorize the data to model the order and then feed the information to the AI ​​machine and verify the information. This data helps restaurants and hotels to know the amount of food that should be Since the project began, we have been able to save 5,950 meals, which has reduced avoidable food waste by 45 percent.

Ajira Digital Artificial Intelligence Workers Meetup has an official LinkedIn page open to anyone interested in AI, from experienced professionals to students and enthusiasts for networking and future collaborations .

The AJIRA Digital Program is a Government initiative initiated and managed by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy whose aim is to help over 1 Million Kenyan youths gain good income through employment. digital and digital annually, in Gig and Freelancing. economy through the development of digital technologies and the communication of the demand for jobs.

The program seeks to position Kenya as a place of choice for employees and a Business Center of Operations for international companies as well as to encourage local companies and the Public Sector to create Digital Jobs.

In addition, the program has strategic support from the Mastercard Foundation, and is being implemented by various partners including KEPSA and eMobilis.