Nairobi:As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global employment, Sophie Kilburn, Sweden’s Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, has urged Kenyan government and policy leaders to safeguard entry-level jobs for young people. Speaking at an AI and Future of Work summit at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kilburn highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to help graduates demonstrate their skills in a technology-driven economy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kilburn expressed concern about the potential reduction of entry-level opportunities due to AI advancements. She stressed that educational programs must evolve to teach critical thinking, good judgment, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for future workforces.
Kilburn also emphasized the potential benefits of a partnership between Kenya and Sweden to enable local talent access to global markets and facilitate a two-way exchange of knowledge and expertise.
JKUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi underlined the need for universities to prepare graduates for rapid technological changes while addressing Kenya’s development challenges. She noted JKUAT’s initiatives, such as JHUB Africa and the Samsung Innovation Campus, which aim to provide practical, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Prof. Ngumi also advocated for the inclusion of African languages and contexts in AI training datasets, warning that neglecting local input could render AI solutions ineffective for African communities.
Joseph Murad, CEO of Bionate, a Swedish AI healthcare firm, observed a shift in employer priorities towards evaluating AI output rather than basic coding. He emphasized the importance of human oversight in AI-assisted processes, particularly in healthcare, where errors can impact patient outcomes.
In the manufacturing sector, Roam Electric’s co-founder Filip Lovstrom noted AI’s role in enhancing productivity while stressing the need for employees to understand and adapt AI data effectively.
To address these challenges, NationDev, a Swedish technology company, is collaborating with JKUAT and other stakeholders to develop a workforce platform. This initiative aims to align training with market demands, ensuring Kenyan youth remain competitive in an AI-driven job market.
