Leverage AI to Drive Business Value, Experts Urge Kenyan Firms

Kenyan organizations have the potential to improve employee productivity, streamline processes, and mitigate escalating cyber threats by integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily operations, according to industry experts.

These benefits were highlighted during the recent Modern Cybersecurity With AI conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, hosted by global technology consultancy BUI, saw the participation of more than 70 business leaders and cybersecurity professionals from local and regional organizations including the Communications Authority of Kenya, the Kenya Commercial Bank, the Kenya Tourism Board, KPMG East Africa and Jubilee Insurance.

Delegates gathered to explore the role of AI in mitigating online threats and enhancing workplace efficiency. They examined the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot, an everyday AI assistant made available to Microsoft application users on November 4th of this year.

This cutting-edge AI technology, rooted in Large Language Models (LLMs), utilizes natural language processing to help people complete different tasks for different purposes. Microsoft 365 Copilot, for example, empowers users to analyze, collaborate, communicate and create in Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Microsoft Security Copilot, on the other hand, enables cybersecurity teams to process data, evaluate risk exposure and address cyber threats in real time – facilitating the safeguarding of an organization’s vital online resources.

Hasmukh Chudasama, BUI East Africa General Manager, expressed his enthusiasm about this technological breakthrough: “As a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud, BUI is excited about Copilot. We’re committed to promoting this innovative technology and aiding our customers in its adoption and use.”

Neil du Plessis, a certified CISSP and Cloud Security Architect at BUI South Africa, lauded Microsoft 365 Copilot in particular for its ability to enhance employee productivity by streamlining everyday tasks. “The primary advantage of Microsoft 365 Copilot is in boosting employee productivity. Research indicates that people are at least 30 percent more productive when using AI-powered technologies, like Copilot, compared to traditional methods. This is evident not only in contemporary workplaces but also in sectors like security. This technology enables businesses to upskill their workforces more rapidly than before,” Du Plessis explained.

Amidst the rising popularity of AI tools such as ChatGPT, business leaders are increasingly keen to leverage new and emerging technologies. In fact, 69% of African CEOs see the advantages of generative AI across their organizations, according to the IBM report CEO Decision-Making in the Age of AI published earlier this year.

Chudasama urged delegates to consider the benefits of Microsoft Copilot in their own organizations. “You can derive substantial benefits from the combination of AI, machine learning and analytics,” he said. “Copilot opens the door for your teams to boost their creativity, productivity and skills. Whether they need to automate workflows, analyze customer data, or compose marketing material, Copilot can help. There’s a world of possibility, and opportunity, for the businesses that embrace AI to drive innovation and value.”