Data credibility should be at the heart of Kenya’s AI rollout, experts say

Sama Vice President for Global Service Delivery Annepeace Alwala during at the TechTrends AI  Forum/ HANDOUT

The successful rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) in Kenya and across Africa will hinge on the credibility of data used to train systems, technology experts have cautioned.

Speaking during the TechTrends AI Breakfast Forum held in Nairobi, industry leaders stressed that while AI offers transformative opportunities for businesses and governments, poor data quality risks undermining its impact.

“AI cannot breathe without people, data is its oxygen. If the data is flawed, the model won’t work,” said Sama Vice President of Global Service Delivery Annepeace Alwala.

She noted that Kenya’s growing pool of digital workers, including data trainers in low-income communities, are already powering global AI systems such as autonomous vehicles.

The forum, brought together executives, policymakers, and innovators to discuss enterprise adoption of AI, responsible deployment, and the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

Samsung Electronics East Africa product manager Ryan Mule, said AI’s is emerging as an immediate value for businesses.

“AI is not about futuristic tools but about addressing daily business issues such as improving workforce productivity and enhancing cybersecurity,” he said.

Panel discussions featuring leaders from AI Kenya, CyberPro, iTel Mobile, and Glidex highlighted the need for stronger policy frameworks to guide ethical AI use, as well as investment in workforce upskilling.

iTel’s Ryan Zhang stressed that digital inclusion cannot be achieved without affordable internet and localized solutions.

“Digital inclusion requires more than just devices—it demands affordable data, localized solutions, and stronger digital literacy,” Zhang said.

The conversations also touched on the risks of deploying AI without adequate safeguards, with speakers urging governments and regulators to move faster in establishing clear guidelines to prevent misuse.

Organisers said the forum aimed to “demystify AI” and make the technology more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Participants agreed that Africa is at a turning point, with AI holding potential to drive productivity, create jobs, and expand digital participation—provided challenges around data integrity, affordability, and regulation are addressed.