Kenyan employers lead AI adoption through upskilling partnerships

Across the globe including in Kenya, innovative companies are leveraging AI to drive efficiency, enhance decision-making, and spur growth.

However, the key to fully harnessing AI's potential lies in upskilling the workforce, a fact that forward-thinking employers are increasingly recognizing.

A study by the World Economic Forum found that 94% of business leaders expect employees to pick up new skills on the job, with 42% of core skills required to perform existing jobs expected to change by 2022. In Kenya, companies like Car and General, ABSA Life, Majorel Kenya are emerging as leaders in adopting upskilling programs. 

“We’re thrilled to be adding more of Kenya’s leading employers to our career coalition program which now includes dozens of employers of employers from across the world. These organizations clearly recognize that AI will not replace humans, but rather humans leveraging AI will replace the ones who are not – and the same will apply at an organizational level,” said Fadl Al Tarzi, CEO of Nexford University. 

Lydia Karingithi (Partnerships Manager, Nexford University) and Christopher Odongo (CEO, WYLDE International) during the MOU Signing. Both institutions will provide tailored business support to the SME Community

Transforming Business with AI 

AI technologies are revolutionizing industries by streamlining operations and offering deep insights into customer behaviour. In Kenya, the insurance sector exemplifies this transformation. Companies are using AI to predict risk, optimize pricing, and improve claims processing and fraud detection.

These advancements enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction, contributing to socio-economic development. In Kenya, the adoption of AI in the insurance sector has led to a 30% reduction in claims processing time and a 25% improvement in fraud detection rates, according to the Association of Kenya Insurers. 

The Importance of Upskilling 

Top employers understand that education, specifically upskilling, is vital for effective AI adoption and digital transformation. To facilitate this, they are partnering with Washington DC-based Nexford University to provide high-quality, flexible, and affordable upskilling programs, specifically through joining the University’s career coalition program.

The program is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that participants are ready to tackle real-world challenges. 

In 2023 Nexford University partnered with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) to analyze the needs of over 500 employers across Kenya. The study showed 72% of organizations feel that imparting training to their existing employees has successfully bridged the skills gap.

This type of collaboration enables the university to deliver skills-focused programs which in turn empower employees to learn at their own pace, applying new skills directly to their work, thus ensuring immediate and practical ROI to their employers. 

“In the era of AI and smart technologies, upskilling and reskilling our workforce is not just an option but a necessity. By equipping our team with cutting-edge skills, we foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring we stay ahead in a dynamic business environment.”

"Our partnership with Nexford University enables us to deliver targeted upskilling and reskilling programs, unlock new opportunities, enhance productivity and drive a culture of innovation,” said Gilbert Mutai, Head of ICT, Car and General 

By joining the Career Coalition, Kenya’s leading employers are setting a standard for AI adoption. They recognize that investing in workforce education is essential for managing change and driving sustained innovation. This approach not only enhances technical skills but also equips employees to handle the complexities of digital transformation. 

By prioritizing education, these companies ensure their teams are prepared to lead in a digitally transformed world, maintaining a competitive edge and fostering sustainable growth.