Kenyan businesses have been challenged to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies, with industry leaders warning that organisations delaying digital transformation risk losing their competitive edge in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The call was made during the Modern Work, Cloud & AI Executive Breakfast in Nairobi, organised by Syntura in partnership with Microsoft and Westcon-Comstor.
The forum brought together executives from the healthcare, financial services, media and technology sectors to explore how AI and cloud computing can improve efficiency, productivity and business growth.
Speakers said AI has evolved from an emerging technology into a strategic business tool that is reshaping decision-making, customer experience and operational performance.
Westcon Microsoft Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director Vincent Entonu said businesses should focus not only on acquiring technology but also on developing the skills and organisational culture needed to maximise its benefits.
"Technology can always be bought. Capability cannot," Entonu said.
He noted that the key question facing businesses is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how quickly they can integrate it into their operations responsibly and sustainably.
Industry leaders observed that while AI presents enormous opportunities, many organisations remain constrained by fragmented systems, poor-quality data and outdated processes that slow digital transformation.
Director of ICT and Transformation Services at The Nairobi Hospital, Dr Magdalyne Kamande, said successful AI implementation depends on building reliable data systems before deploying intelligent technologies.
"You cannot build intelligent systems on fragmented, manual records. Data must first be structured, governed and trusted before AI can deliver meaningful outcomes," she said.
Kamande said sectors such as healthcare require high standards of accuracy, compliance and data security, making quality information the foundation of successful AI adoption.
Participants agreed that AI should not be viewed simply as a tool for automation but as a long-term business strategy capable of driving innovation, improving customer service and strengthening organisational resilience.
They noted that companies are increasingly measuring the value of AI beyond direct revenue growth, with benefits including faster decision-making, improved customer experience, reduced compliance risks and greater operational efficiency.
Executives also observed that AI is already transforming functions such as finance, human resources and media by automating repetitive tasks, improving workflow efficiency and supporting better quality control.
The meeting heard that businesses are now competing not only with local rivals but also with global digital platforms that have raised customer expectations for speed, convenience and personalised services.
Speakers urged organisations to invest in cloud infrastructure, workforce skills and modern digital systems to remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.
They maintained that while companies may not have every answer before beginning their AI journey, delaying action could prove costly as artificial intelligence becomes an essential part of everyday business operations.
The executives said organisations that invest today in talent, trusted data and digital capability will be best positioned to thrive in the AI-powered economy of the future.
