"Kenyan Lawmakers Pave the Way for BPO Expansion and Digital Innovation"

 

The National Assembly's Communication, Information, and Innovation Departmental Committee promised to look into making new laws to help more Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies open up in all areas.

During a visit to an Artificial Intelligence (AI) BPO company called Sama in Nairobi, the committee members, led by Chairperson Hon Waweru, John Kiarie, said they want to make it easier for BPO companies to grow and reach every constituency and ward. They mentioned plans to change the law to support this, as part of a bigger strategy to boost digital innovation across the country.

Sama, where they visited, has over 3400 employees and works with big global companies like NASA, Walmart, Google, and General Motors. The committee thinks it's essential to help more companies like Sama expand to every part of the country.

They also talked about the government's goal of setting up Digital Innovation Hubs in all wards and creating more online work opportunities for young people. The committee wants to make sure young Kenyans can find jobs in the digital space.

As part of their plan, they've asked companies like Sama to partner with local leaders to bring their services to more areas. The committee is impressed by what Sama does with data and wants to make sure other places can benefit from similar success.

Sama's Vice President, Ms. Annepeace Alwala, mentioned that the company works with top global car and agriculture firms, using AI technology. She said Kenya has a chance to become a big player in the global AI market but needs to work hard to promote itself as a BPO destination.

The committee's visit to Sama revealed the company's significant role in the global BPO market, where it stands as a key player connecting Kenya to the world's leading technological firms. Sama's focus on AI and machine learning solutions not only benefits global giants like Google and Microsoft but also offers promising opportunities for local talent and businesses. By fostering partnerships between BPO firms and constituency leaders, the committee aims to decentralize economic growth, bringing it closer to communities in need of employment and technological advancement.

Ms. Annepeace Alwala's insights underscored the urgency for Kenya to capitalize on the growing AI market, which is projected to reach $18 billion in the coming years. Her emphasis on promoting Kenya as an ideal BPO destination highlights the need for proactive measures to attract investments and talent to the country. By leveraging its existing infrastructure and skilled workforce, Kenya can position itself as a competitive player in the global BPO landscape, providing job opportunities and driving economic growth across various regions.

Sama is a big user of Safaricom broadband and helps companies minimize risks and costs through its AI-powered platform and skilled team. Many big companies trust Sama to develop their AI models, and the company aims to create more opportunities for people through the digital economy.