Kenya Hosts Multi-Stakeholder Workshop to Advance AI Research and Local Language Models
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Naivasha played host to a groundbreaking Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Low-Resource Language Models (LRLM) Use-Cases from November 18th to 20th, 2024. The event, held at the Great Rift Valley Lodge, brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and development partners to strengthen Kenya’s AI research and innovation ecosystem.
The workshop focused on the development of localized language options in AI systems to promote inclusivity in digital public services. With a strong emphasis on addressing language barriers, the initiative aims to create datasets that enable AI technologies to understand and use local languages, thereby enhancing access to government and industry services for diverse Kenyan communities.
Kabarak University was represented by Dr. Andrew Kipkebut, a renowned expert in Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs), who joined other leading institutions, including Maseno University, Dedan Kimathi University, Strathmore University, USIU, Kisii University, Mount Kenya University, JKUAT, and Kenyatta University, in driving this initiative.
The workshop underscored the urgent need for a collaborative engagement framework to coordinate research and development efforts. The State Department for ICT & Digital Economy (ICT & DE), tasked with oversight and coordination, highlighted the importance of uniting these institutions to foster progress in creating localized language models. This partnership is seen as a cornerstone for advancing Kenya’s digital ecosystem, making AI technologies more inclusive and accessible to all.
“The development of AI systems capable of understanding Kenya’s diverse local languages will not only bridge the digital divide but also ensure equitable access to digital services, fostering broader socio-economic development,” said a representative from the State Department for ICT & DE.
The initiative’s focus on low-resource languages reflects a critical step toward making digital transformation inclusive, particularly for underrepresented and rural communities. By addressing language barriers, the project seeks to empower all Kenyans to benefit from the country’s growing digital economy, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative innovation, emphasizing that the framework and partnerships established during the event would propel Kenya toward becoming a leader in localized AI technologies and equitable digital public service delivery.
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