Graduates urged to embrace AI as new technology takes root

Graduates Urged to Embrace AI as New Technology Takes Root in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya – Industry leaders and academic experts have issued a compelling call for Kenya’s graduating class to actively embrace artificial intelligence (AI) or risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive global job market. The push came during a major business and education forum in Nairobi, where speakers emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day tool rapidly transforming key sectors of the Kenyan economy, from finance and agriculture to healthcare and creative industries.
The forum highlighted a critical shift in the skills employers now seek. Executives from leading banking, telecommunications, and technology firms explained that while AI is automating routine tasks, it is simultaneously creating demand for professionals who can leverage these tools for enhanced decision-making, data analysis, and strategic innovation. AI will not replace you, but a professional who uses AI effectively will replace one who doesn’t, cautioned a panelist from a prominent tech hub, stressing that graduates must view AI as a collaborative partner that augments human capability.
The response from educational institutions has been swift, with several universities announcing plans to integrate AI literacy and practical applications across diverse curricula, beyond traditional computer science departments. We are moving beyond theoretical knowledge. Our graduates must enter the workforce with hands-on experience using AI platforms relevant to their specific fields, stated a dean from a leading Nairobi university. Career advisors are similarly adapting their guidance, encouraging students to pursue certifications in AI-related disciplines and cultivate a mindset of continuous learning to keep pace with technological evolution.
The long-term outlook suggests that Kenya’s economic competitiveness is intrinsically linked to its workforce’s fluency in emerging technologies like AI. By proactively upskilling, graduates can position themselves not merely as job seekers but as innovators capable of developing localized AI solutions for African challenges. This strategic embrace of AI is poised to unlock new career pathways, drive entrepreneurship, and ensure that Kenya’s youthful demographic remains a powerful engine for sustainable growth in the continental and global digital economy.