regulatory frameworks to address potential risks and ensure ethical AI usage .
Cyber Threats as a result of AI
There have to be mechanisms and frameworks that can be built to detect evil actions and limit the bad intentions of software codes ; including the distribution of such hell-bent AI applications . This possible new battlefront on matters of cybersecurity where alien code disguised as AI can sneak into organizations ' information architectures , quietly learn weaknesses , then capture and ransom data assets . Software publishing agencies will be key in the regulation of what gets to the open market for consumption and adoption .
" The emergence of AI-driven cyber threats underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and vigilance ," warned a recent Gartner Report on cybersecurity trends , highlighting the need for proactive defences against AIenabled cyberattacks .
Benefits of AI
The possibilities we should explore fully are those that have a positive impact on our communities . The potential of AI in telemedicine , logistics , highpressure precision engineering , security surveillance systems , among others . New knowledge creation , in-depth data analysis on climate , soil , seeds , and disease control . We also have the promise of creative forms that enrich our lives that can be pursued . Art , Music , metaverse data assets , financial modeling , prototype designs so on and so forth .
" AI holds tremendous potential to drive innovation and address societal challenges across various domains ," affirmed a recent Bloomberg Oxford Review on the transformative impact of AI technologies , highlighting the opportunities for AI to enhance healthcare , logistics , and creative industries .
We have to admit that no technology can replace the human species capabilities and spectrum of all our faculties . It is in this regard that we have to advance in all sectors and industry leveraging technologies ' efficiency , increased productivity , and the optimized advantage for communities ' growth . The sustainability conundrum can be answered by AI . For the expedition of payments , optimization of project management efforts , crucial real-time reporting , and guided decision-making on routine including peculiar workflow processes .
AI in Public Service
In public service , AI can play a big role in helping bridge the gap of limited staff and routine tasks that can be automated . In the analysis of big data in education , health , environment , and agriculture , AI can crunch numbers as they flow in management systems and help in timely reporting . From such analysis , justification of timely interventions can be drawn as well as accurate budget estimates of the same . The archiving of documents and curation of our rich historical data and valued historical material can be safeguarded with the incorporation of AI .
The audit and accounting challenge within the public service can be addressed by harnessing the potential of AI . For posterity , transactional audits monitored and authenticated as they occur can curb waste and ensure line budgets are adhered to as planned . We can use AI to solve our biggest challenges of insecurity by incorporating it into our surveillance operations to detect and deter banditry and quash terrorist advances .
Early detection and timely disaster response are areas that are ripe to harness the potential that AI holds . The analysis of the data of past interventions , limitations , and reports can be used to build our resilience . AI can be used to save lives , alleviate pain , and help us respond faster when disaster strikes . Kenya ’ s metrological department should be lauded for using predictive analysis of AI to inform and warn the public of short-term and longterm weather patterns . For the last three years they have been almost 100 % correct in their predictions .
The beauty of AI is that each sector is adopting it and we are now using its power in our day to day lives . Some illustrations include motion sensors which then alert CCTV cameras to record , activate protective devices like laser barriers , electric fences and even send notifications to security actors and the property owners . On energy saving , we have devices that can run into idle mode when not in use like hybrid cars in traffic , fridges when closed for long periods , computing devices that hibernate when not in use among others .
I dream of a day when we can use AI to optimize our distribution routes and shorten cargo logistics as we map trade routes from Kenya and the entire Africa . So that we harness the interdependence nature that life dictates . When we have bumper harvest in one part of the continent then we can efficiently direct the surplus to the regions that require it the most .
AI use case in Vihiga County
There are two use cases where the county of Vihiga under the leadership of Governor Wilber Ottichilo has successfully used predictive analysis to better service delivery by using data that is relayed real time to make qualified decision in the community health approach . The Community Health Promoters ( CHPs ) formerly known as Community Health Volunteers ( CHVs ) were trained on the data to collect as they were in the field . An analysis of the data would show the symptoms , ages and villages where they occur and as such timely medical interventions were made available in the health facilities in those areas .
Under the kilimo project in collaboration with various development partners like Airbus , Esri and Itec we sampled a select group of a hundred ( 100 ) farmers across eight ( 8 ) wards in Vihiga . Using data sourced from daily satellite imagery , soil sample analysis among others farmers received timely advise on short text via their mobile phones on when to plant , weed , top dress and harvest . The data analyzed included daily weather monitoring , moisture levels , temperature among others .
The farmers reported an increase of over one hundred and thirty per cent ( 130 %) on their usual harvest . The cost of this technological prowess with Ai predictive analysis notwithstanding . This goes to show that AI can be used for good and should be used for the greater good .
It is my belief that AI requires a balanced approach by professionals and should be embraced to bring efficiency into the workflow processes and optimize our productivity .
Lunani Joseph is a Technology & Governance Professional . Currently serving as the County Minister of Commerce , Tourism & Cooperatives in the County Government of Vihiga . You can commune with him via email at : JLunani @ insynqueafrica . com Instagram : @ lunanijoseph Twitter : @ joseph _ lunani LinkedIn : @ josephlunani .