Kenya has joined the global artificial intelligence race with the launch of Simba AI. It is the country’s first AI chatbot that understands and translates English into different local languages.
Simba AI aims to bridge language barriers and enhance digital inclusivity. The chatbot was unveiled in Nakuru County on Friday, May 2, 2025. It was developed through a collaboration between Simba AI and Lish AI Labs.
The initiative also includes the establishment of Africa’s first AI factory in Nakuru. This facility is designed to train future AI experts and provide AI capabilities to students, businesses, and researchers, leveraging high-speed fibre optic networks and data centres.
What sets Simba AI apart is its ability to interact in low-resource African languages, making it uniquely capable of serving communities often left behind in the digital age, which will provide inclusivity for different age groups.
Simba AI is positioning Kenya as both a creator and a global contributor to AI innovation, shifting the country from merely consuming AI to developing it, with the potential to compete with global leaders like OpenAI (USA) and DeepSeek (China).
Key Features & Advantages of Simba AI
1. Local Language Integration
- Unlike traditional AI systems, Simba AI is built to understand and translate English into local dialects, serving communities often left out of the digital transformation.
2. Advanced AI Capabilities
- Simba AI offers faster and more accurate responses than predecessors by leveraging improved large language models (LLMs).
3. AI Factory for Youth Training & Innovation
The AI lab in Nakuru, created through a partnership with Lish AI Labs, serves as a training ground for youth, equipping them with hands-on skills in:
- AI model development
- Data annotation and validation
- Machine learning and automation
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4. Job Creation & Skills Development
With the rise of AI, Simba AI is seen as a pathway to new employment opportunities, particularly for young people in roles like:
- Machine learning engineers
- AI specialists
- Data analysts
5. Support for Startups and Enterprises
- The AI factory offers AI as a Service (AIaaS) — allowing startups and businesses to access computing power and AI capabilities without needing their own infrastructure.
6. Contribution to Kenya’s Digital Economy Goals
- Aligns with the Kenya National Digital Master Plan (2022–2032) and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2030), which aim to promote innovation, job creation, and digital inclusivity.
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Founders of Simba AI Chatbot
The founders of the Chatbot include Mark Matunga, the Chairman of Simba AI, who advocates for AI as a transformative force that can unlock youth potential, promote entrepreneurship, and drive economic growth.
Moreover, Randy Faulkner, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said that the responsible deployment of AI’s ethical practices, has the potential for Kenya to become a technological beacon in Africa.
Additionally, Lish AI Labs, Simba AI’s technical partner, provided infrastructure, training, and employment opportunities in the machine learning and AI development.
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