AI in Kenya: As an AI enthusiast in Kenya, it’s essential to shed light on the profound impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having on our workplaces.
Yes, while AI promises to make our lives easier, it also poses a potential threat to job security if we don’t prepare ourselves.
So, grab a cup of chai, sit back, and let’s dive into the increasingly serious world of AI in Kenya!
AI in Kenya is Here. Adapt or Perish!
The Rise of AI: A Double-Edged Sword
Picture this: you’re at work, and your colleague, who’s usually glued to their desk, suddenly disappears.
You find them in the corner, chatting with a chatbot about the latest football match.
Welcome to the future where AI is not just a tool but a potential colleague!
While it can help streamline tasks like scheduling meetings with just one click (goodbye endless email threads!), it also means that some roles might become as outdated as dial-up internet.
Job Displacement: The Elephant in the Room
Let’s face it—AI is like that overly ambitious relative at family get-togethers who keeps reminding you that they’ve got a promotion at work.
It’s great for efficiency but can also lead to job displacement.
Indeed, reports suggest that up to 80% of existing jobs could be affected (including getting eliminated) by AI technologies.
So, if you’re in a role that involves repetitive tasks—like data entry, book-keeping, entry level coding, or even monotonous assembly line work in a factory—you might want to start brushing up on your skills or risk being replaced by a robot named “Bob” who works tirelessly for less than a dollar an hour!
Embracing Change: Skills for the Future
Now, before you start panicking and sending out your CVs to every company in Nairobi, let’s talk about adaptation.
The good news is that while some jobs may vanish, new ones will emerge (of course, for those who have the skills).
Think of it as a game of musical chairs—some will sit down, but others will find new seats!
Good news: Kenyans like you are already waking up to this reality; searches for AI courses have doubled!
From data analysis to digital marketing, it seems everyone wants to ride the AI wave.
Truth is, if you’re not learning about AI yet, you might soon find yourself competing against a chatbot for your job—talk about pressure!
Real-Life Examples
In the recruitment industry, for instance, AI is already making waves.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are sifting through thousands of applications faster than you can say “job interview.”
This means recruiters can spend more time connecting with candidates rather than drowning in paperwork.
However, this also means that if your CV doesn’t pass through “Bob,” you might never get a chance to showcase your charm in an interview.
By the way, did you hear that Robots have arrived in Nairobi, Kenya(See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkRUy-GGc4)
Yes, that is how determined machines are..
Reminder: Opportunities Await
Let’s not forget that with great power comes great responsibility—and opportunity!
As companies embrace AI, they’ll need skilled individuals to manage these technologies.
This is where you come in!
By learning how to work alongside AI rather than against it, you can position yourself as an invaluable asset.
Imagine being the person who trains AI systems or develops new applications!
Or being the engineer behind building the chatbots?
Or even using AI to quickly produce a training video for your newly recruited sales team?
The thing is, the future holds exciting roles including AI ethics consultants or machine learning specialists—positions that require human creativity and empathy—qualities no robot can replicate (yet!).
More importantly, staff who are able to use AI tools to become more productive will be the darling of their employers because it will mean more efficiency (and reduced losses), and more money added to the bottom-line.
AI in Kenya: Prepare or Perish
In conclusion, while AI has the potential to revolutionize the Kenyan workplace and increase productivity, it also presents serious challenges for job security.
The key takeaway? Prepare or perish!
As an individual, embrace lifelong learning and upskill yourself to stay relevant in this rapidly changing landscape.
And as a business, you need to integrate AI into your workflows lest you are left wallowing in despair by your more agile competitors.
So next time you see a chatbot taking over a task at work, remember: it’s not just about losing jobs; it’s about transforming them.
Let’s ensure we’re not left behind—after all, we don’t want our future selves saying “I wish I had learned more about AI” while watching robots take over our jobs from the comfort of our homes!
Stay curious, keep learning, and who knows? You might just find yourself leading the charge in Kenya’s brave new world of AI!
John Gitahi,
Founder & Lead Consultant
AIKnowZone.