Kenya’s First AI-Powered BPO Launched at Siaya Digital Hub to Boost Youth Jobs
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo ( Black attire), Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri and other stakeholders witnessing the AI digital hub explanation, how it operates at the Summit.
Bondo, Siaya County, — Kenya has marked a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the launch of the country’s first Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre within a community digital hub, powered by artificial intelligence.
The initiative, unveiled during the Siaya Digital Summit 2026 in Bondo, is a partnership between Huawei and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority. The new AI-enabled contact centre platform equips the Siaya Community Digital Hub to offer customer service and outsourcing solutions to both local and international clients.
The launch formed part of the summit themed “Empowering Siaya’s Future: Digital Connectivity, Skills, Jobs, and Creative Economy for Sustainable Growth,” highlighting the growing role of technology in driving inclusive development and job creation.
At least 20 young people have already been trained to operate the AI-powered system, enabling them to handle customer interactions across multiple channels including phone, web, and messaging platforms. The technology enhances efficiency by assisting agents in generating responses, logging interactions, and analysing service data, positioning the hub to deliver globally competitive services.
The project is expected to create employment opportunities for youth in Siaya and surrounding counties, while opening up access to the global digital economy. It also sets a precedent for similar BPO models to be rolled out in digital hubs across the country.
Speaking during the launch, Huawei Cloud Solutions Engineer Ruth Mokaya said the initiative demonstrates how technology can transform livelihoods and uplift communities. She noted that the programme aligns with Huawei’s global Tech4All initiative and Kenya’s broader development agenda.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding digital opportunities nationwide. He emphasized that access to infrastructure, skills, and platforms is key to ensuring young people can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
“This partnership shows how artificial intelligence can support our youth to deliver services at a globally competitive level,” he said, adding that digital hubs are critical in decentralizing opportunities beyond major cities.
In addition to the BPO launch, Huawei trained 100 youth under its Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) programme, equipping them with practical skills in networking, cabling, and ICT infrastructure management. These competencies are vital as Kenya continues to expand its digital superhighway, with over 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable already deployed.
Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri underscored the importance of digital hubs in nurturing innovation and building a strong digital ecosystem, noting that such centres provide young people with access to tools, mentorship, and collaborative spaces.
The Siaya Community Digital Hub is part of the government’s Jitume Digital Hubs programme, which aims to establish hubs in all 1,450 wards across Kenya. So far, 290 hubs have been set up, benefiting more than 400,000 youth.
At the Summit, stakeholders called for sustained collaboration between government, private sector players, and communities to ensure digital transformation translates into real economic opportunities.
“Kenya’s digital future will be built not only in our major cities, but across counties where young people are ready to innovate and lead,” said CS Kabogo.
