How Kenyan Businesses are Using AI to Drive Growth and Efficiency

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and Kenya is no exception.

Businesses across various sectors in Kenya are leveraging AI to enhance productivity, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation.

Here’s a detailed look at how Kenyan businesses are harnessing the power of AI:

1) Finance

Content enhancement

Moneyspace employs AI algorithms to aggregate and analyze large datasets from various financial institutions.

This enables the platform to provide accurate and real-time financial data, such as money market fund rates, CBK Rates, summarized Sacco reports, etc. which helps users make informed financial decisions.

The AI-driven data analysis allows for efficient tracking of financial trends and offers users personalized financial insights​.

Moneyspace also leverages generative AI tools to power their money calculators.

Fraud detection

Safaricom, the telecom giant behind M-Pesa, utilizes AI to monitor transactions and detect fraudulent activities.

This enhances the security of mobile money transfers, protecting users from financial fraud.

Credit scoring

Tala, a fintech company, uses AI algorithms to evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals by analyzing smartphone data.

This approach allows Tala to provide microloans to underserved populations, enabling financial inclusion.

Microloans and financial training

4G Capital offers microloans and financial training to small businesses, using AI to evaluate customers’ business performance and repayment capacity.

This helps small enterprises grow and thrive by providing them with the necessary financial support and education.

Alternative credit risk assessment

Alternative Circle provides microloans and financial education to individuals and businesses by analyzing data from customers’ smartphones. This innovative approach helps increase financial inclusion by offering customized loans based on non-traditional credit assessment methods.

2) Agriculture

Data-backed farming

UjuziKilimo uses AI and IoT to offer smart farming solutions to smallholder farmers.

By utilizing sensors to collect and analyze soil and weather data, the platform provides real-time agronomic advice via SMS or voice calls, helping farmers make informed decisions to boost their productivity and sustainability​.

Precision farming

Apollo Agriculture uses AI to analyze satellite imagery, soil data, weather data, and farmer behavior to optimize crop yields and reduce risks for smallholder farmers.

This technology provides farmers with insights that help them make informed decisions, boosting productivity and sustainability.

3) Healthcare

Diagnostics

Ada Health, an AI-driven platform, is used in Kenya to provide preliminary diagnostics. The app asks users about their symptoms and uses AI to suggest possible conditions and next steps, improving access to healthcare.

Affordable diagnostics

Ilara Health leverages AI and robotics to make diagnostics more accessible and affordable. The company provides tech-powered diagnostic equipment at affordable prices to healthcare facilities, reducing the overall cost of diagnostics and making healthcare more accessible.

Health data management

AfyaRekod uses AI and blockchain technology to manage patient data. This enables healthcare facilities to make data-driven decisions for better patient care by providing real-time access to patient health records.

Telemedicine

Tiba Health leverages AI to triage patients, offering remote consultations and connecting patients with doctors. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas where healthcare access is limited, ensuring timely medical advice.

Emergency response

Flare uses AI and cloud computing to improve emergency response services in Kenya. The platform connects patients, hospitals, ambulances, and first responders, optimizing the dispatch and coordination of emergency services to enhance overall efficiency.

4) Retail and e-commerce

Personalized recommendations

Jumia, a leading e-commerce platform in Africa, employs AI to analyze customer behavior and preferences.

This enables Jumia to offer personalized product recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience for users.

Inventory management

MarketForce 360, a Kenyan start-up, uses AI to help small retailers optimize their inventory. AI predicts demand, ensuring that retailers stock the right products at the right time, reducing overstock and stockouts.

5) Customer service

Chatbots

Safaricom utilizes AI-powered chatbots (Zuri) in its customer service operations.

These chatbots handle common inquiries, provide information about services, and assist with troubleshooting, ensuring 24/7 support for customers.

Sentiment analysis

BrandsEye (now DataEQ) collaborates with Kenyan businesses to provide AI-driven sentiment analysis of social media and customer feedback.

This helps businesses improve their services based on customer sentiments, enhancing customer satisfaction.

6) Transport and logistics

Smart mobility solutions

Data Integrated Limited provides AI and IoT-based smart mobility solutions for public transport operators.

These solutions improve safety, reliability, and profitability for transport services, enhancing the overall public transport experience.

Delivery services

Lori Systems, a logistics platform, employs AI to optimize cargo transportation across East Africa. AI improves delivery efficiency and reduces costs for businesses, streamlining logistics operations.

7) Education

Personalized learning

Eneza Education provides AI-powered learning platforms that adapt to the individual needs and pace of students.

This personalized approach enhances educational outcomes by catering to each student’s unique learning style.

Adaptive learning via SMS

M-Shule delivers personalized and adaptive learning to primary school students using AI and SMS. This innovative approach makes quality education accessible to students, especially in remote areas.

8) Nutrition and wellness

Personalized nutrition coaching

Lishe Living provides personalized nutrition and wellness coaching using AI and chatbots. This helps users set and track health goals, promoting better health and well-being.

9) Government and policy initiatives

The Kenyan government is also playing a pivotal role in nurturing the AI ecosystem.

It has launched initiatives to support AI research and development, providing funding and resources to startups and innovation hubs.

These efforts aim to stimulate innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and attract investment in the AI sector.

Moreover, the government is working on comprehensive policies to ensure the ethical use of AI and to address the regulatory implications of AI deployment.

10) Emergencies

Flare employs AI and cloud computing to enhance emergency response services. The platform connects patients, hospitals, ambulances, and first responders, optimizing emergency service dispatch and coordination​

Conclusion

AI adoption in Kenya is transforming various sectors, driving growth, and efficiency.

From agriculture and finance to healthcare and education, AI is enabling businesses to innovate and thrive.

While challenges such as accessibility and data privacy remain, the potential for AI to revolutionize industries in Kenya is immense.

Embracing AI can lead to significant advancements, making businesses more competitive and resilient in the evolving market landscape.