Sama, a global leader in data annotation and model evaluation for AI models, has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Nairobi (UoN) to advance the Generative AI (GenAI) industry in Kenya.
This collaboration will offer part-time employment opportunities to UoN faculty and students, providing them with valuable exposure to the rapidly evolving GenAI environment.
Under this partnership, Sama will equip UoN students and faculty with the necessary training, equipment, materials, and work areas to facilitate their engagement in the GenAI sector.
Prof. Stephen Kiama, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Sama presents a significant step forward for students and faculty, providing a unique platform for students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, enhancing their learning and experience, and better preparing them for the demands of the AI industry.”
This partnership aligns with UoN’s plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence School aimed at creating a skilled workforce for the future.
Annepeace Alwala, Sama’s Vice President of Global Service Delivery, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Nairobi to foster the next generation of AI talent in Kenya. This partnership underscores our commitment to driving innovation and creating opportunities for the youth to excel in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. By providing students with practical experience, we are investing in the future of AI and contributing to the growth of the technology sector in Kenya.”
The partnership also highlights Sama’s dedication to the national economic development agenda, specifically the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA).
This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, uplift communities, nurture talent, and position Kenya within the global AI value chain.