5th-Dec-2025 • Faith Chebet • Artificial Intelligence in Business
Welcome to the future! Today, we're diving into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya. This versatile technology is no longer a luxury for large corporations; it's becoming an essential tool for small businesses aiming to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
AI can streamline routine tasks, provide data-driven insights, and even predict trends, thus saving valuable time and resources. Let's explore some ways AI can benefit your SME:
AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries 24/7, freeing up your team to focus on more critical tasks. Take, for instance, the Kenyan e-commerce platform Jumia, which uses AI-enabled chatbots to assist customers with orders and returns.
AI can analyze historical data to forecast sales trends, helping you make informed decisions about inventory management, pricing, and marketing strategies. Imagine being able to predict the demand for your products months in advance!
AI algorithms can segment your customer base based on their behavior and preferences, enabling targeted marketing campaigns that drive higher conversion rates. A prime example is the Nigerian fintech company, Paystack, which uses AI to tailor its promotions to each user.
AI can help detect and prevent fraudulent activities, safeguarding your business from potential losses. Kenyan banks such as Equity Bank are already using AI-powered systems for this purpose.
Ready to embrace AI? Start by identifying areas where automation could bring the most value to your SME. Then, research solutions tailored to your industry and budget. The future is now - seize it!