The Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on AI Research and Low-Resource Language Models (LRLM) Use-Cases in Kenya took place from 18th to 20th November 2024 at the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and development partners to advance Kenya's AI research and innovation ecosystem. Kabarak University was represented by Dr. Andrew Kipkebut, an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs), at this important gathering.

The workshop emphasized the importance of developing localized language options in AI systems to ensure inclusivity in digital services. By focusing on low-resource languages, the event aimed to create datasets that enable AI to understand and use local languages, enhancing public access to government and industry services. This initiative is crucial for addressing language barriers in Kenya's digital transformation, ensuring that technology is accessible to a broader segment of the population, and fostering equitable development across diverse communities.

Several institutions are actively engaged in research and development for the AI Low-Resource Language Models (LRLM) initiative, including Maseno University, Dedan Kimathi University, Strathmore University, USIU, Kabarak University, Kisii University, Mount Kenya University, JKUAT, and Kenyatta University. In its role of coordination and oversight, the State Department for ICT & Digital Economy (ICT & DE) recognizes the urgent need to establish a collaborative engagement framework that brings together these stakeholders.

This collaboration and partnership framework will be a key foundation for advancing research and innovation within Kenya's digital ecosystem. By uniting these institutions, the initiative seeks to drive progress in the development of localized language models that will make AI technologies more inclusive and accessible. This partnership will facilitate the creation of AI systems that understand and use local languages, helping to bridge digital gaps and promote equitable access to digital services across Kenya.