Kenya’s private sector has called for the formation of an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council made up of local and international experts to develop a framework for the ethical adoption of AI as it takes root in various sectors of the economy.
This was part of the recommendations of a two-day ‘Digital Transformation in East Africa Conference’ organised by the Aga Khan University that brought together over 50 high-profile global speakers and over 1000 delegates from 24 countries.
Representing Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Honourable Musalia Mudavadi, the Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Aurelia Rono reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the adoption of new technologies.
“At my State Department, we are charged with coordinating with parliament on legislative matters. I will be looking forward to receiving the recommendations of this forum which I am sure will benefit our work,” said Ms Rono who spoke during the closing ceremony.
In his remarks, AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin lauded the government for providing an enabling environment that has propelled Kenya to the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.
“The government’s vision and the support that it has provided has helped to create what AKU’s founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, has described as ‘an enabling environment’. Without an enabling environment, private initiatives struggle just to find their footing. With it, the private sector pushes off like a sprinter and races ahead,” he added.
AKU Global Chief Information Officer Shaukat Ali Khan who read the conference’s resolutions said, “This conference has also called for sustainable development and environmental conservation that focuses on green technology, digital tools for sustainable development and nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem while respecting people’s privacy and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The hybrid conference discussions also focused on the relevance of technology in healthcare as an enabler of efficient service.
“To effectively serve our patients, we recently installed an Electronic Health Records system,” said Rashid Khalani, CEO Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. “This system has improved patients’ experience and care, automation of physician notes, and improved financial viability.”
The CEO said the new system that is being implemented across the health facilities of the Aga Khan Development Network spread across Africa and Asia and will facilitate education and localised research.
