The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya is taking a step towards modernizing its services by partnering with Mozilla and the African Advanced Level Telecommunication Institute (AFRALTI) to leverage open-source technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
This initiative aims to improve service delivery to Kenyan citizens and position the country at the forefront of digital innovation in public service.
Commissioner Andrew Muriuki of the PSC highlighted that Kenya has already established itself as a global leader in digitizing service delivery through the use of open-source software.
The PSC now sees AI as an opportunity to further enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and affordability in public services.
Key areas where AI is expected to make a significant impact include:
- Public health: Lowering patient costs, improving diagnosis accuracy, and providing personalized healthcare.
- Agriculture: Helping farmers maximize yields and improve productivity.
- Public safety and law enforcement: Providing insights for crime prevention, disaster management, and improving the justice system.
The initiative also includes a training program for ICT professionals, focusing on developing skills in open-source technologies and responsible AI practices.
This program aims to create a nucleus of 100 trained professionals who will drive innovation and knowledge-sharing across industries.
Mitchell Baker, Mozilla Foundation Chairperson, emphasized the importance of verifying the impact and effects of AI-driven software, highlighting the significance of Kenya’s Data Privacy Act in protecting citizens’ data and privacy.
This partnership represents a crucial step in Kenya’s digital transformation journey, aiming to create a more efficient and responsive public service sector while promoting ethical AI practices and digital inclusion across the country.
