Several Kenyan firms lack adequate digital mobilisation despite the fast changing landscape, according to an expert.
Phillip Thigo, Kenya’s the special envoy for technology, said businesses still lag behind in incorporating Artificial Intelligence in their operations, despite its potential.
“Companies in country should have an agile, digital and growth mindset in order to stay afloat in the near future,” Thigo said.
“They must also find ways of incorporating AI for growth. Most businesses are not sure what to do with it but they can learn.”
He said with the launch of multiple AI engines such as Gemini 1.5 and Chat GPT 4, it is evident that companies should invest in technology to ensure longevity.
He was speaking at a roundtable in Nairobi, organised by HR and payroll management firm, Seamless HR.
Globally, data shows about 40 per cent of jobs will either be replaced or compensated by AI in the near future with some jobs becoming redundant.
A recent future of jobs survey by the World Economic Forum shows that bank tellers, clerks and cashiers are among the top ten declining jobs as a result of digitisation.
In contrast, AI specialists, sustainability specialists, business intelligence specialists, information security analysts and fintech engineers were ranked the top five fastest growing jobs.
Thigo said it is therefore important for organisations to be dynamic, embrace the digital shift and tap into its potential by collaborating with the digital players.
He said organisations should acquire skills that align with the AI systems such as analytical thinking, technological literacy, systems thinking and big data skills.
A recent report highlighting the top 50 fastest growing companies in Africa this year shows the top two firms dealt in e-commerce, and 30 per cent of the total 50, were e-commerce and fin tech companies.
Thigo said the trend is set to grow steadily in the coming years on the back of innovative business practices and collaborations.
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