Sama, a provider of enterprise AI solutions, has launched an AI training platform aimed at solidifying Kenya’s position as a global hub for AI development. The platform is set to revolutionize AI training by reducing project ramp-up times, enhancing data annotation accuracy, and preparing the Kenyan workforce for the ongoing AI revolution.
The platform comes with improvements for Sama’s enterprise clients, cutting ramp-up times by 50% and increasing both tag and shape accuracy by 16% and 15% respectively. These enhancements, Sama said in a statement, enable faster and more precise AI models to be deployed into production, benefiting both Sama’s clients and its employees, who receive advanced training that equips them for success in the fast-evolving digital economy.
The company said the new service is designed for better scalability and adaptability, allowing annotators to learn at their own pace and handle complex tasks such as automotive and Generative AI data annotation
‘‘Basic data annotation training encourages rote memorization, but at Sama, we focus on project-specific training to improve quality and reduce rework,” said Duncan Curtis, Senior Vice President of AI Product and Technology at Sama. “These sessions will help annotators not only excel on current AI projects, but also build and master new skills, which will prepare them for future AI innovations and development needs.”
Sama said its commitment to fostering Kenya’s AI talent pool is part of a broader effort to make the country a hub for AI innovation. With an emphasis on responsible AI, Sama hopes the new platform strengthens its pipeline of skilled workers, primarily women and individuals from underrepresented communities.
This is expected to enhance diversity in AI and ensures that Kenya’s AI models are being developed with a wide range of perspectives.
“We envision Kenya as a growing hub for new AI innovations and talent, able to reap the economic benefits of AI while ensuring that models are developed with diverse perspectives. For this vision to become reality, digital skilling is a must. This latest development is a clear signal of Sama’s deep commitment and investment in local talent,” said Maxwell Okello, CEO of America Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya.
The platform introduces features that allow annotators to master complex tasks, such as LiDAR and sensor fusion data annotation, more efficiently. One feature autonomously compares annotators’ work with verified answers, providing real-time feedback to improve skills and enhance understanding of core AI development principles.
In addition, Sama said its human-in-the-loop (HITL) methodology ensures continuous feedback from expert annotators, resulting in AI models that meet high standards of accuracy and ethical considerations. It added that its SamaAssure feature creates quality guarantee, further enhancing client confidence, with a 98% first-batch acceptance rate.
To date, the company has empowered over 68,000 individuals through its training and employment programs, which have been validated by an MIT-led Randomized Controlled Trial.