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Boosting Kenya’s Health System with AI and Technology Partnership

Kenya’s healthcare sector is poised for transformation through a new global health partnership. This collaboration integrates successful AI technology spearheaded by Africa alongside local expertise. On February 22, 2024, in Nairobi, healthcare leaders convened to forge alliances aimed at enhancing critical health outcomes and program efficacy. The round table, titled “Technology-enabled Health Systems Strengthening,” convened key participants from government, donors, and the private sector to foster innovation and address healthcare challenges.

Quick Summary:

  • Objective: Enhance Kenya’s health system through AI-driven technology and local expertise.
  • Partners: Vantage Health Technologies, Africa Health Business (AHB), and key stakeholders in healthcare.
  • Areas of Emphasis: Technological Solutions, Universal Health Coverage by 2030, and Building Transformative Partnerships.

Advancing Technology Solutions:

The partnership employs AI-powered, data-focused, and technology-assisted solutions to address healthcare challenges in Kenya. Stakeholders aim to improve healthcare service delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and optimize resource utilization through innovative technologies.

Driving Towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC):

The partnership which has a specific focus on Kenya, is committed to achieving UHC by 2030. This entails ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare services nationwide. Stakeholders are dedicated to addressing disparities in healthcare access and improving health outcomes for all Kenyans, regardless of social or financial status.

Building Transformative Partnerships:

Collaboration among Vantage Health Technologies, AHB, and key stakeholders fosters an environment conducive to innovation and impact. The partnership harnesses expertise from various domains to develop scalable solutions applicable to similar healthcare settings across Africa.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

Government Perspective: Bernard Langat underscores the government’s role in creating an enabling environment for health system enhancements such as digital health and AI.

Healthcare Federation Chairperson’s View: Dr. Gakombe Kanyenje Karangaita, head of the healthcare federation, emphasizes the importance of cohesive collaboration within the health system and highlights AI’s potential to enhance connectivity and overall system performance.

Community Health Promoters’ Needs: Meboh Abuor emphasizes the importance of AI-powered capacity building for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to enhance healthcare service availability, understanding, and cost-effectiveness.

The Path Forward:

The partnership adopts a holistic approach involving community engagement to promote health education, leverage technology, and enhance capacity. By empowering local healthcare providers with AI-driven data management and patient care solutions, the partnership aims to establish a resilient, adaptive, and patient-centric health system in Kenya.

Kilgoris Youth Empowerment Center Enhances Digital Literacy with Computer Donation

Introduction:

Youth living in Kilgoris Constituency have received significant assistance for their studies, as ten computers and a Wi-Fi connection were donated to the youth center. This initiative was spearheaded by Member of Parliament Julius Ole Sunkuli, with the intention of enhancing digital literacy and enabling young people to participate globally in the present era.

Quick Summary:

  • The Kilgoris Youth Empowerment Center has received ten computers and Wi-Fi courtesy of MP Julius Ole Sunkuli.
  • Objective: Enhance digital and computer literacy among young people to prepare them for global engagement.
  • Sunkuli pledges further support to nurture youth talent, including the establishment of a music production studio.

Empowering Youth Through Technology:

The provision of computers and internet connectivity represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering young people in Kilgoris. MP Sunkuli aims to equip youths with essential digital skills necessary for success in today’s interconnected society.

Nurturing Youth Talent:

Recognizing the diverse talents within the community, Sunkuli is committed to supporting youth talent development initiatives. The proposal for a music production studio aligns with the aspirations of talented individuals in the music industry, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and pursue their passions.

Promoting Digital Literacy:

MP Sunkuli emphasizes the importance of digital literacy in accessing opportunities and services, both locally and globally. He notes that participation in computer literacy courses at the center motivates young people to enhance their computer skills, thereby increasing their prospects for employment in digital fields.

Gratitude and Aspirations:

Maureen Natumoi, an ICT facilitator at the Kilgoris Youth Empowerment Center, expresses gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significant contribution to learning and skill development. The addition of ten new computers to the facility will facilitate a more conducive learning environment, enhancing the educational experience for learners.

Looking Ahead:

Youth beneficiary Kevin Kosgei extends appreciation to MP Sunkuli and advocates for continued investment in youth-focused programs. The proposed establishment of a music production studio aligns with the community’s desire to leverage and showcase local talent, providing avenues for income generation.

Drone Space Kenya to Host Regional AI Conference: Shaping the Future of Technology

Introduction

Drone Space Kenya which is the first company to introduce new drone technology ideas, plans to organize a major meeting about Drone Technology and Data Analytics. The event will take place on March 26-27 at Sarit Expo Centre in Westlands which is located in Nairobi; it promises two days of discussions with a wide range of professionals from this field as well as other innovative thinkers and businesspeople who are interested in exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI), Drone Technology, Data Analytics etc.

Quick Summary:

  • Drone Space Kenya is arranging a Drone Technology and Data Analytics Conference, to be held on March 26th and 27th in Sarit Expo Centre located at Nairobi.
  • Aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in AI, Drone Technology, and Data Analytics.
  • In line with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Empowerment Agenda that focuses on harnessing the potential of youth to fuel technological solutions.

Fostering Technological Innovation:

Tony Mwangi who is the Director, sees the conference as a starting point for developing technology from within that can deal with common problems in our economy. The event’s goal is to support the Bottom-Up Economic Empowerment Agenda of government and encourage involvement of youth while promoting innovation in important areas.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence:

As AI is being used in more and more areas, the conference wants to show how it changes things in many different sectors. Not only business operations but also healthcare, agriculture etc., are experiencing a revolution because of AI.

Kenya’s Readiness for AI Adoption:

Kenya’s impressive placement in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index highlights its readiness to use AI for better public service. It has gone beyond other East African countries, showing itself as a leading example for the region and confirming again its dedication towards progress and creativity through technology.

Exploring Future Directions:

AI, drone and data analysis experts will give their valuable views on upcoming tendencies and future directions. Startups can demonstrate their inventive solutions, and those participating can join in practical sessions for a real experience with high-tech.

Kenya to Host 2024 Transform Africa Summit: A Milestone for African ICT

Introduction

Kenya has successfully won to host the esteemed global 2024 Transform Africa Summit (TAS-24) which signifies a crucial accomplishment in its role as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) giant. Under President William Ruto’s leadership, Kenya is ready to display its dedication towards promoting social and economic progress through digital innovation while taking lead on the continent’s platform.

Quick Summary:

  • Kenya has successfully won the opportunity to organize the 2024 Transform Africa Summit (TAS-24), which was declared during annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Barcelona, Spain.
  • The win confirms Kenya’s status as a ICT leader in the region and emphasizes its dedication to promote Digital Agenda within Africa.

Event Details

Transform Africa Summit: This summit is planned to be held in Nairobi from August 28 – 30, 2024. It is a gathering of worldwide and regional ICT leaders who are seeking new ways for Africa’s digital revolution.

Kenya’s ICT Leadership Recognized

By winning the bid to host Transform Africa Summit , Kenya aims to show how it has become more important in ICT. Kenya is a place with many high-level international conferences, and it has been seen as one of the best places for investments in ICT. Because of these qualities, Kenya can guide talks about forming Africa’s digital future.

Transformative Leadership

Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Digital Economy in Kenya, has praised the country’s triumph as evidence of its transformative leadership led by President William Ruto. This victory not only demonstrates Kenya’s potential but also underlines its dedication to propel the socio-economic influence of ICTs throughout Africa.

Showcasing Kenya’s Capabilities

For Kenya, the Transform Africa Summit is a chance to demonstrate its technological abilities and encourage cooperation among worldwide and regional ICT participants. By being the host of this summit, Kenya wants to speed up digital change program in Africa and promote growth fueled by innovation in important areas.

Continental Collaboration

The Transform Africa Summit acts as a platform for worldwide and continental ICT leaders to investigate new methods in Africa’s digital revolution. The presence of important people involved, like ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Commissioner Infrastructure, Energy, Digitalization African Union Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid ensures active discussions that contribute towards the progress of Africa’s digital plan.

Ministry of Public Service Initiates Biometric Registration to Combat Ghost Workers

Introduction:

The Ministry of Public Service has started a very important plan that involves enforcing biometric registration for all government workers. This action, led by Moses Kuria who serves as Public Service Cabinet Secretary, highlights the dedication of our government towards making sure there are no ghost workers on its pay list and maintaining transparency and responsibility in handling public money.

Quick Summary:

  • The Ministry of Public Service makes known that registration for biometric data is starting, aiming to identify and exclude ghost workers from the 900,000 public servants.
  • Cabinet Secretary in the Public Service Moses Kuria stresses that getting rid of ghost workers is a key concern.
  • The PSC report underlines the fact that the scourge of ghost workers is not limited to specific sectors, emphasizing the need for strong actions across different areas.

Combatting Ghost Workers:

Biometric registration is one part of a larger plan to handle the problem of ghost workers in the public service, which has troubled government payroll for many years. By using biometric authentication, the main goal is to confirm identity for every public servant and make sure that salaries are given only to real employees.

Payroll Audit:

Along with the process of biometric registration, a detailed payroll audit is also ongoing. The goal of this audit which was started by Ministry of Public Service, is to find out differences and problems in employee records. This will help catch incidents like payroll fraud and unapproved payments.

Addressing Systemic Challenges:

The finding of about 20,000 ghost workers being paid by the government in the financial year 2022/2023 showed how deep-rooted the ghost worker issues are affecting the public service sector. Many government agencies and sections have reported big differences in employee counts, showing a necessity for better watching and responsibility methods.

State House Involvement:

Special government entities have been pointed out by recent findings of Public Service Commission (PSC), such as State House where a big number of ghost workers were found. The discovery of 483 ghost workers on State House payroll highlights the need to tackle payroll fraud and increase openness in government establishments.

Equitel Launches 5G Services in Partnership with Airtel

Equitel which is part of Finserve, is shaking up telecommunications with its announcement of 5G services in partnership with Airtel. This collaboration marks a big step forward for Africa’s telecom landscape, promising faster connections and digital empowerment across the continent.

In Brief:

  • Equitel, along with Airtel, introduces 5G, a first for African MVNOs.
  • The promise? Speedy, reliable connections for businesses and people to thrive digitally.
  • Equitel currently covers 370 locations nationwide, with plans to expand.
  • To celebrate, Equitel offers enticing data bundles and bonuses.

Empowering Connectivity:

Equitel’s 5G launch changes the game, offering super-fast, reliable connections. Teaming up with Airtel makes cutting-edge tech accessible to all and is going to be empowering businesses as well as individuals in the digital age.

Wide Coverage:

Equitel’s 5G spans 370+ locations, including major cities like Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi, and Kisumu. The rollout targets residential areas, shopping centers, and CBDs, ensuring broad access to high-speed internet.

Smooth Transition:

Equitel makes shifting from 4G easy. Devices compatible with 4G-LTE SIMs can seamlessly upgrade to 5G on Equitel’s network. Plus, Equitel reps at Equity branches help with SIM swaps, ensuring a hassle-free transition.

Innovation Commitment:

Finserve, Equitel’s parent company, is dedicated to innovation and financial inclusion in Africa. Through fintech solutions and APIs like Jenga, Finserve makes banking, payments, and loans accessible to all, boosting economic growth.

Better Customer Experience:

Equitel isn’t just about great connections; it’s about customer experience too. Enjoy free Equitel-to-Equitel calls, convenient mobile banking, and the “my life” platform. Plus, with exciting data offers and bonuses, Equitel makes the 5G experience even more enjoyable.

OPPO Air Glass 3 Unveiled: A Leap Forward in AI-Assisted Reality

Introduction:

The technology leader OPPO, known worldwide for its constant drive to create new and better tech products, has once again showcased its prowess at the MWC 2024 with the introduction of OPPO Air Glass 3. The advanced prototype represents a big step forward in incorporating AI (artificial intelligence) technology into everyday devices – it is designed as an assisted reality glass. Users can expect a smoother experience that is even more intuitive with this innovative creation.

Quick Summary:

  • OPPO introduces the OPPO Air Glass 3, offering a glimpse into the future of assisted reality glasses.
  • The glasses feature a lightweight design and leverage new AI capabilities, revolutionizing user interaction.
  • Additionally, OPPO announces the launch of the OPPO AI Center and unveils the OPPO AI Smartphone White Paper, underscoring its commitment to AI-driven progress.

Redefining Assisted Reality:

OPPO aims to enhance users’ AI experiences with the OPPO Air Glass 3, touted as the world’s lightest binocular AR glasses. Through multimodal AI technology and seamless cross-device integration between XR devices and smartphones, OPPO is exploring novel ways for users to interact, including voice and visual commands.

Lightweight Design, Enhanced Experience:

The OPPO Air Glass 3, weighing just 50 grams, features a proprietary resin waveguide and exceptional display characteristics, ensuring comfort and clarity for users. Integrated with OPPO’s AndesGPT model via a smartphone app, the glasses offer seamless AI assistance, allowing users to perform tasks with a simple press of the temple.

Empowering Through AI:

Alongside launch of OPPO Air Glass 3, OPPO has established the OPPO AI Center, signaling its focus on AI-driven innovations. This center aims to foster advanced research and development in Artificial Intelligence, particularly focusing on user-centric applications that enhance daily experiences.

Generative AI Features:

OPPO’s commitment to AI extends beyond hardware advancements. The upcoming OPPO Reno11 Series and OPPO Find N3 will introduce generative AI features like the OPPO AI Eraser, revolutionizing photography and personalization for users worldwide.

Collaborative Innovation:

OPPO’s dedication to AI excellence is reinforced through collaborations with industry partners such as Qualcomm Technologies and startup AlpsenTek. Together, they are pioneering Hybrid Vision Sensing technology and AI Motion algorithms, setting new benchmarks for mobile imaging and video capture.

Future Outlook:

As a frontrunner in AI-driven advancements, OPPO envisions a future where it is not only renowned for individual products but also recognized as a comprehensive AI ecosystem. Through collaboration and strategic alliances, OPPO aims to deliver superior products and services that elevate mobile experiences while advancing inclusivity and innovation in the global technology landscape.

KCB Group and MasterCard Forge Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Payment Solutions in East Africa

The KCB Group, a major participant in East Africa’s financial sector, has made a significant five-year deal with MasterCard. This collaboration brings good opportunities for cardholders and businesses throughout the zone.

The partnership between KCB Group and MasterCard is centered on a mutual goal, which is to introduce innovative payment methods that meet the needs of East African customers as well as businesses. The union spans Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda with the aim of promoting financial participation while also boosting economic development.

Central to this alliance are the top-tier World and World Elite cards. These cards provide unique advantages and perks, catering to the refined tastes of affluent individuals and establishing a higher level of superiority in payment systems within the area.

As e-commerce becomes more popular, KCB Group and MasterCard are focusing on improving their online payment capabilities. The goal is to make digital transactions easier and safer, creating fresh opportunities for economic growth and technological progress.

Valuing the significance of connectivity across borders, this collaboration emphasizes swift remittance solutions. The incorporation of QR and tap-on-phone technologies in digital payments makes sending money simpler, boosting the resilience of individuals and communities across boundaries.

In the realm of finance, KCB Group is strongly committed to improving inclusion. By leveraging technology and knowledge, they hope that their collaboration with MasterCard can help bridge the gap between traditional banking services and those who are underserved. This should promote economic stability and growth among all people (KCB Group Limited, 2021).

In addition to benefits for consumers, the alliance also aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises by providing them with innovative payment methods and marketing support. This partnership hopes to foster sustainable development and job creation within the region’s digital economy by facilitating transactions and enhancing financial literacy.