Pure Digital Passion with Moses Kemibaro Moses Kemibaro

This was a panel discussion from the Kenya ICT Authority's Connected Africa Summit held on Tuesday the 23rd of April 2024 for which I was the moderator. The panel focussed on the critical themes of AI and cybersecurity within the African continent's evolving digital landscape. Our panelists for this engaging conversation included the following:


Hon. Waweru John Kiarie, Chair, ICT Committee
Saleh Al-Nemer, Regional CT & Distinguished Technologist, HP Enterprise
Kelvin Mugambi, Cybersecurity Technical Solutions Architect Sub-Saharan Africa, Cisco
Imran Chaudhrey, Country Manager for East Africa, Network Security Business, Fortinet

Michael Odhiambo, Director, Shared Services, Kenya ICT Authority

Moses Kemibaro, Founder & CEO, Dotsavvy (Moderator)



Overview.

The session began with each panelist sharing pivotal steps their organizations or sectors have taken to enhance AI integration and cybersecurity within their domains. Topics covered ranged from the integration of AI in government services, bridging the AI literacy divide, current regulatory environments, the critical components of resilient cybersecurity infrastructures, and more.

Discussion Highlights.


The integration of AI technologies to enhance public service delivery and economic growth.


Measures to protect digital infrastructures from emerging cyber threats.


The role of legislative and regulatory frameworks in fostering a secure and innovative digital environment.


Collaborative efforts needed to fortify Africa's digital landscape against evolving cyber threats and to unlock new avenues for innovation and economic growth.

Conclusion.

In a nutshell, the panel discussion emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, innovative policies, and proactive measures to unlock the full potential of digital technologies for Africa’s future. The insights shared not only reflect the African continent's readiness to embrace digital transformation but also its capability to lead in the AI and cybersecurity domains.


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On March 8, 2024, I had the privilege of participating as a panelist at the Association of Kenya Insurers' (AKI) Insurance Agents Forum, held at Marist International University in Karen. The forum hosted 1,000+ insurance sales agents who excelled in 2023, featuring a broad collective of demographics and expertise.

This gathering served as a critical platform for education, inspiration, and networking, underpinned by the theme of digital transformation in Kenya's insurance sector with a focus on Insurance Agents.

With over 90% of insurance business in Kenya channeled through agents and brokers, digital transformation presents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance efficiency, expand reach, and solidify the role of insurance in Kenya's economic and social development.

The Discussion Panel.

The panel included the following:


Moses Kemibaro: Digital Marketer, Technology Expert, and Founder & CEO of Dotsavvy, bringing to the table a wealth of experience in digital innovation.


Eunice Maina: Digital Insurance Sales Agent, Trainer, and Author, Founder & MD of BISMART, known for her pioneering work in digital sales strategies.


Alex Mwai: Digital Marketer & Strategist specializing in MSMEs, Founder & Creative Director of Archer Digital, with insights into digital strategies for growth.


Rebecca Mayeku: Assistant Data Commissioner for Compliance at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (OPDC), offering perspectives on regulatory compliance and data protection.

The session was expertly moderated by Hazel King’ori, Public Relations, Research, and Education Lead at the Association of Kenya Insurers, and Nickson Yala, Head of Department for Individual Life Insurance at Kenindia Insurance, both of whom facilitated a dynamic and insightful discussion.

Our Discussion Highlights.

Our panel delved into crucial areas, exploring the key role of a comprehensive digital presence for insurance agents, and identifying successful digital marketing strategies to stay relevant and successful, as follows:


Building A Strong Digital Presence: The unanimous opinion of the panel the critical importance of establishing a strong digital footprint for connecting with potential and existing clients and nurturing lasting relationships.
Expanding Client Base with Digital Marketing: We explored a variety of strategies, including content marketing, social media engagement, and targeted advertising, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and value-driven communication.
Leveraging Technology for Client Relationships: Our discussion highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence, social media content, and personalized digital channels to enhance client service and retention.
Navigating Digital Platform Pitfalls: The conversation turned towards common mistakes, such as neglecting data privacy, underestimating the value of content, and the pitfalls of ignoring customer feedback on digital channels.

The conversation naturally progressed to the critical topic of data privacy under the Data Protection Act, discussing practical do's and don'ts for agents in handling customer information. Additionally, we tackled the challenges and solutions in embracing digital transformation, the burgeoning role of data analytics and AI, and the practical contributions of insurance sales agents towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Closing Thoughts.

The AKI Agents Forum 2024 demonstrated that a massive shift is needed toward integrating digital innovation, data protection, and sustainability into the core of insurance sales strategies. The event was an inflection point for insurance agents navigating the complex yet promising digital landscape in Kenya and beyond.


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On the evening of the 14th of March 2024, the day before World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), Citizen TV hosted an engaging panel discussion on ethical and inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Kenya. This year’s global theme for WRCD was “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” making the conversation both timely and critical. The Communications Authority of Kenya, in its commitment to marking World Consumer Rights Day, organized this live discussion as a live broadcast and invited a diverse group of panelists who are at the forefront of technology, regulation, and consumer advocacy.

The following made up the panel for the discussion:

Immaculate Kassait, MBS, Data Commissioner at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, brought a regulatory and data protection viewpoint, crucial for understanding the legal framework that surrounds AI.

Peter Ndegwa, C.B.S, CEO of Safaricom PLC, offered insights from the frontline of integrating AI in telecommunications and how it shapes consumer experiences.

Stanley Kamanguya, PMP®, OGW, CEO of Kenya’s ICT Authority, provided a governmental perspective on how AI is being harnessed and regulated within public sector projects and initiatives.

Agnes Gathaiya, Country Director for Google in East Africa, represented the international technology community, giving us a glimpse into how global technology platforms are navigating the AI landscape.

David Mugonyi, Commissioner General and CEO of the Communications Authority of Kenya, shared the regulatory body’s stance on AI’s proliferation within Kenya’s communication sectors.

Alice Kemunto, Executive Director at the Consumer Grassroots Association, Kenya, provided a critical consumer advocacy perspective, emphasizing the impact of AI on everyday Kenyans.

Moses Kemibaro, that’s me, Founder & CEO at Dotsavvy, I aimed to bridge the gap between digital innovation and consumer rights, focusing on how organizations and individuals can leverage AI responsibly.

The discussion was moderated by Sam Gituku, a journalist from Royal Media Services.

The panel represented a multifaceted approach required to navigate the complexities of AI in the context of Kenya.

What We Discussed.

From the onset, our discussion covered the expansive landscape of AI, from regulatory frameworks to the tangible impacts on the lives of consumers, both in Kenya and globally. We grappled with questions of regulatory oversight, exploring whose mandate it is to navigate this uncharted territory. The consensus captured a collaborative approach, involving government bodies, the private sector, and civil society, to ensure AI’s ethical grounding in Kenya and beyond.

We delved into specific examples where AI has begun to transform consumer experiences for the better, from healthcare diagnostics to personalized education platforms, showcasing AI’s potential to enhance daily life. Yet, amidst the enthusiasm, we collectively acknowledged the dual edge of AI: its potential for great good and significant harm. This duality brought us to consider the optimism surrounding AI, weighing it against the criticisms and fears often associated with its rapid advancement.

Discussing the need for AI uptake at scale in Kenya and beyond, we stressed the critical role of infrastructure, digital literacy, and policy frameworks tailored to our unique context. Ensuring fair and responsible AI expansion became a central theme, prompting a rich exchange on ethical considerations and how much trust we can afford to place in AI with critical and highly impactful decisions.

A key moment in our conversation touched on the digital divide, with AI acting as both a bridge and a barrier between the developed and developing aspects of Kenya and the rest of the world, the rich and the poor.

As we expounded on AI’s impact on the job market, it was clear that the shift towards automation and AI-driven technologies presents both challenges and opportunities for workforce developme

On the 28th of February 2024, a landmark event took place at USIU - Africa, bringing together some of the continent's most innovative minds in the field of artificial intelligence or AI. During the same, I had the privilege of moderating a panel discussion titled "African AI Pioneers: Charting the Course for Innovation and Impact" that explored the transformative potential of AI in Africa. During the same, we had an engaging and highly insightful discussion that not only outlined the current state of AI in Africa but also paved the way for a future brimming with promise and possibilities.

Our panelists were as follows:


Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO, minoHealth AI Labs.
Vukosi Marivate, Co-Founder/CTO, Lelapa AI. Co-founder, Deep Learning Indaba. Co-founder, Masakhane
Alfred Ongere, Team lead and Founder, AI Kenya

Discussion Highlights.

The conversation set the stage for an in-depth exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI innovation on the African continent. Each panelist brought to the table their unique perspectives and expertise, shedding light on diverse aspects of AI's role in Africa's future.

Darlington Akogo elaborated on AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare in Africa, emphasizing radiology's pivotal role. He stressed the importance of addressing the stark funding disparities faced by African AI startups compared to their Western counterparts, advocating for tailored solutions that meet Africa's unique healthcare challenges.

Vukosi Marivate spoke passionately about advancing NLP to support low-resource African languages, making a compelling case for "language as infrastructure" to foster unity and inclusivity. His insights into Lelapa AI's mission highlighted a dedicated effort to cater specifically to African needs, while also touching upon the critical issue of brain drain and the necessity of nurturing local talent and research communities through initiatives like the Deep Learning Indaba.

Alfred Ongere emphasized the importance of building AI capacity and fostering a thriving ecosystem within Kenya and across Africa. He highlighted Ai Kenya's focus areas and the impactful outcomes of AI evangelism, calling for enhanced collaboration among innovators, policymakers, and investors to drive sustainable development.

Throughout the discussion, ethical considerations, inclusivity, and the need for a collaborative framework were highlighted as vital components in ensuring that AI benefits all segments of African society.

Conclusion.

In closing, our panel reaffirmed AI's transformative potential for Africa. They highlighted the critical areas of healthcare, agriculture, language processing, and capacity building as mere starting points for the African continent's AI journey. The vision shared by the panelists for an AI-enabled future that reflects Africa's diverse needs and aspirations captures the opportunities and challenges for all stakeholders to play their part in making this a reality.


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In the latest episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast I had the distinct pleasure of having an engaging conversation with Linda Ndungu, the Country Manager of Bolt Kenya. Linda is spearheading the transformation of the ride-hailing sector in Kenya, pushing the boundaries of innovation, safety, and sustainability. Our conversation shed light on her incredible journey, Bolt Kenya's significant milestones, and the profound impact they're making on both urban mobility and the community at large.

Linda Ndungu's Journey.

Our session kicked off with Linda sharing personal insights into her early life and how her upbringing influenced her career trajectory, leading her to the helm of Bolt Kenya. She walked us through her path to becoming Country Manager, highlighting her passion and drive for leading Bolt Kenya towards a future where mobility is not only accessible but also safe and sustainable.

Innovation @ Bolt Kenya.

Under Linda's leadership, Bolt Kenya has adapted its business model to tackle the unique challenges and opportunities within the Kenyan market. A significant part of our discussion centered on the innovative safety measures Bolt introduced in 2023, showcasing the company's commitment to the well-being of its riders and drivers. Linda elaborated on how technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of Bolt's services, a testament to the company's forward-thinking approach.

Empowering Communities & Building Relationships.

Linda also touched on the strategies Bolt Kenya employs to make its services accessible to a broader segment of the Kenyan population, leading to better community and driver relationships. Her insights into Bolt's environmental initiatives and sustainability goals were particularly enlightening, highlighting the company's dedication to not just business success but also environmental stewardship.

The Road Ahead.

Throughout our conversation, Linda candidly discussed the challenges Bolt has faced in the Kenyan market and how these obstacles were transformed into stepping stones for further growth and innovation. She shared her vision for Bolt's evolution in Kenya over the next few years, her thoughts on the future of mobility and transportation in the country, and a memorable story illustrating Bolt's positive impact on individuals' lives.

Inspiration & Empowerment.

Linda's advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles in technology and transportation was both inspiring and empowering, highlighting her role as a mentor and trailblazer in the industry. As we concluded our session, Linda shared her final thoughts on Bolt in Kenya's journey and the path forward, leaving us with a deeper understanding of Bolt's mission to enhance urban mobility in Kenya.

The Future Fuelled By Innovation.

Our conversation with Linda Ndungu offered a rare glimpse into the heart of Bolt Kenya's operations and its unwavering commitment to transforming the ride-hailing landscape. Linda's dedication to innovation, safety, and community empowerment serves as an inspiration to us all. As we reflect on the insights shared, it's clear that every ride and every initiative spearheaded by Bolt takes us closer to a more connected, sustainable, and mobile future.,


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I n this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast we delved into the important matter of the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). This session brought together key voices from tax compliance and technology in Kenya: Caroline Wacuka from KRA, independent tax and finance expert Limo Taboi, and Caine Wanjau, the Founder & CEO of DigiTax. Together, we explored how eTIMS is revolutionizing tax compliance for businesses and individuals in Kenya.

What is eTIMS?

The eTIMS system is KRA's innovative response to the challenges of tax compliance, designed to facilitate a seamless, efficient, and transparent process. By automating tax invoicing, eTIMS significantly reduces the administrative burden on businesses and individuals, ensures accuracy in tax reporting, and combats tax evasion. This system is not just a step forward in digitalization; it's a major transition towards enhancing the ease of doing business in Kenya.

The Significance of eTIMS.

With a deadline for sign-ups looming on the 31st of March 2024, the urgency to understand and adopt eTIMS has never been more critical. The platform's development was driven by a need to align tax processes with the dynamic nature of modern business and individual operations, offering a solution that is both accessible and comprehensive.

Insights from Our Guests.

Caroline Wacuka highlighted the motivations behind eTIMS: improving tax compliance and making the process more manageable for businesses and individuals. This initiative represents KRA's commitment to leveraging technology for the public good.

Limo Taboi offered practical insights into how eTIMS aligns with the needs of today's businesses, emphasizing the immediate impact of reducing operational delays and inaccuracies in tax reporting.

Caine Wanjau discussed DigiTax's role in complementing eTIMS by offering an easy-to-use platform that further simplifies tax compliance. DigiTax's features, such as multi-user access and real-time notifications, are designed to enhance the eTIMS experience.

Embracing eTIMS.

The session covered a wide range of topics, from the importance of eTIMS in tax planning to the benefits it provides to businesses and individuals, including streamlined compliance processes and better resource allocation. The discussion also touched on the critical support and resources KRA offers during the transition, the significance of eTims in facilitating easier tax compliance, and the future updates expected to enhance compliance further.

One of the key takeaways was the emphasis on the need for businesses and individuals to embrace these platforms proactively. With the deadline for eTIMS sign-up fast approaching, understanding and leveraging these tools is paramount for ensuring compliance and optimizing business operations.

Final Thoughts.

Our guests unanimously agreed that adopting eTIMS and exploring solutions like DigiTax represents a proactive step towards not just meeting tax obligations but doing so with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy. As Kenya moves towards a more digitalized future, embracing these innovations is essential for business and individual success.

The insights shared during this podcast session highlight the transformative potential of eTIMS for tax compliance in Kenya. As we navigate this new landscape, the collective expertise of authorities like KRA, and pioneers like Caine Wanjau, alongside the practical advice from experts like Limo Taboi, will be invaluable.

To all businesses and individuals in Kenya, the message is clear: the future of tax compliance is here, and it's time to adapt. Embrace eTIMS by the 31st of March 2024 deadline to ensure your operations are aligned with the latest in tax compliance technology.


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