AI company Sama has partnered with Homa Bay County to offer specific AI training in certain vocational training institutes. The new partnership will upgrade educational system in that area as well as provide a skilled labor force of AI professionals as more and more demand is put on them.
Improvement of Education and Workforce
Through the initiative in Homa Bay, the AI curriculum intends to pilot its programs. It only means expanding more educational offerings within the vocational training institute, equipping students with the right skills to be relevant within an increasingly changing AI industry. The partnership is part of the company's moves to ensure that local talent is well-placed with the right expertise to support its operations and the growing AI landscape.
Expanding Sama's Operations and Employment Opportunities
In a similar collaboration, students from these institutes will be playing active roles in Sama's delivery centers. The company is scaling its expansion across the country, with an ambitious goal to double its workforce in the country, thereby giving impetus to local employment opportunities.
Governor Gladys Wanga's Vision for AI in Kenya
Gladys Wanga, the governor, expressed optimism in Kenya's contribution to the global AI sector, stating that the country is rich in a good pool of talented young people who are well-placed to make meaningful contributions toward the development of AI worldwide. Drawing parallels with various countries like India and Poland, which have very active BPO industries, Wanga confidently said Kenya can also have such success.
Homa Bay is an ideal investment destination for the BPO sector. We have established a special economic zone that has the necessary infrastructure that includes reliable electricity, offices, and high-speed internet access," she said, adding that the region was ready for investments.
Focus on AI Curriculum and Value Chain Development
The partnership will involve the design of an end-to-end AI curriculum, specifically tailored for vocational training institutes. Additionally, it will set up an AI value chain delivery centre in Homa Bay. This is expected to employ about 350 youngsters through Sama's Impact program, creating a route to decent employment for youngsters in that county.
Commitment to Expansion beyond Nairobi
Annepeace Alwala, Sama's Global Delivery Vice President, said she was excited by the partnership with Homa Bay County, indicating that the latter has expressed interest in supporting Sama's expansion to create operations from Nairobi. "We're quite excited about the possibilities this partnership brings, as it opens the door for creating opportunities within the AI value chain," she said.
The deal sealed between Sama and Homa Bay County sealed a key milestone in developing Kenya's AI human resource base, thus positioning the country to lead from the front in the global AI landscape.