Manager, AI Capability

Reporting to the Senior Manager, AI Lab, the Manager, AI Capability is responsible for building enterprise-wide AI literacy, capability and adoption across Safaricom Group to accelerate the organization’s transition to an AI-first enterprise. The role develops and executes AI capability-building strategies that equip leaders, technical teams and business users with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to effectively leverage artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and emerging technologies.

The role serves as the custodian of the Group AI Capability Framework, AI Evangelist Program and AI Learning Ecosystem, ensuring AI knowledge is embedded across all business units, functions and leadership levels. Working closely with HR, Learning & Development, universities, research institutions, technology partners and internal AI practitioners, the role creates sustainable AI talent pipelines and future-ready workforce capabilities.

The incumbent will drive AI awareness, AI change adoption, thought leadership, skills development and external ecosystem partnerships while ensuring that AI capability-building initiatives directly support Safaricom’s commercial priorities, innovation agenda and digital transformation ambitions. The role also plays a key role in positioning Safaricom as a leading AI organization within Kenya and the broader region through strategic partnerships and industry engagement.

Health and Safety

• Uphold the company code of conduct, policies and procedures, ensuring integrity and accountability in every aspect of your work.
• All employees have a responsibility to adhere to safety, health, and wellbeing policies, guidelines and procedures in all actions and decisions.

AI Capability Strategy & Workforce Readiness

• Develop and implement the enterprise AI capability and skills development strategy.
• Define AI competency frameworks for technical and non-technical employee segments.
• Assess AI capability maturity across business functions and identify development priorities.
• Build workforce readiness programs supporting AI adoption at scale.
• Establish capability roadmaps aligned to business and technology strategies.
• Identify future AI skill requirements and emerging capability needs.
• Support workforce planning initiatives for AI and data talent.
• Develop capability measurement frameworks and maturity assessments.
• Ensure AI capability initiatives support enterprise transformation priorities.

AI Learning & Development

• Design enterprise-wide AI learning pathways for leaders, managers and employees.
• Develop AI onboarding, certification and accreditation programs.
• Curate learning content covering AI, analytics, automation and emerging technologies.
• Partner with HR and Learning teams to embed AI learning into talent development frameworks.
• Deliver workshops, masterclasses and capability-building interventions.
• Support development of technical upskilling programs for AI practitioners.
• Establish mechanisms for continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• Measure effectiveness and impact of learning interventions.
• Promote adoption of self-service AI learning platforms and resources.

AI Evangelist Network

• Design and implement the Group AI Evangelist Program.
• Recruit, develop and support AI champions across business units.
• Create communities of practice focused on AI adoption and innovation.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing forums and capability events.
• Equip AI evangelists with tools, resources and learning content.
• Track adoption and effectiveness of AI ambassador initiatives.
• Foster collaboration between technical and business communities.
• Promote successful AI use cases and innovation stories.
• Build a sustainable internal network of AI advocates and change agents.

Academic & Ecosystem Partnerships

• Establish partnerships with universities and higher learning institutions.
• Collaborate on AI research, innovation and talent development initiatives.
• Build internship, graduate and AI fellowship programs.
• Engage with technology vendors and innovation partners.
• Participate in industry forums and AI ecosystem initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for joint research and capability-building activities.
• Support development of local AI talent pipelines.
• Drive collaboration with regional and global AI communities.
• Strengthen Safaricom’s role in shaping national AI capability agendas.

AI Change Adoption & Culture

• Develop AI awareness and adoption campaigns across the Group.
• Promote responsible AI usage and AI literacy among employees.
• Drive behavioral change initiatives supporting AI transformation.
• Support business teams in embedding AI into day-to-day operations.
• Measure AI adoption and capability outcomes across functions.
• Develop communication strategies that promote AI success stories.
• Foster a culture of experimentation and innovation.
• Address barriers to AI adoption and capability development.
• Support organizational readiness for emerging AI technologies.

AI Thought Leadership & External Engagement

• Represent Safaricom in AI conferences, forums and industry engagements.
• Develop thought leadership content on AI innovation and capability development.
• Promote Safaricom’s AI achievements through external channels.
• Support publication of research, case studies and innovation insights.
• Engage with regulators, academia and industry stakeholders on AI matters.
• Position Safaricom as a leading AI capability-building organization.
• Contribute to national and regional AI development conversations.
• Support executive engagement on AI thought leadership initiatives.
• Build Safaricom’s reputation as a destination for AI talent and innovation.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

Customer Obsession

• Deepen team connection to our customers and communities.
• Foster authentic relationships with customers and partners that build trust.
• Explicitly take customer-centric decisions and take personal ownership to achieve results.
• Simplify processes through digitalization and promote a digital mindset and digital first customer experience.
• Stay focused on the big priorities, know when to make meaningful trade-offs and demonstrate brilliant execution.

Purpose

• Create an inspiring vision for your team to drive strategy and performance.
• Show ambition and courage, empowering others to go beyond the plan.
• Bold and challenge teams to reimagine how things are done.
• Prompt new thinking and ideas by asking “what if” questions.
• Use knowledge of the external environment (customers, partners, competition, external bodies) to identify and act on opportunities for growth at pace.

Innovation

• Create psychological safety so everyone can have an impact.
• Fuel innovative ideas from others and test them to enable growth.
• Explore successes and failures with curiosity and resilience; fearlessly recognizing lessons learned.
• Share your ongoing learning and personal purpose with others.
• Learn fast from digital adoption, using learnings to drive simplicity, scale and efficiency.

Collaboration

• Articulate your team’s role in making our strategy happen, prioritizing and aligning resources with current and future needs.
• Actively collaborate to break silos and hold your team accountable to do the same.
• Develop others to make the most of their talents and coach them to take ownership to get things done.
• Create an inclusive environment ensuring the safety and wellbeing of others.
• Live our Purpose and demonstrate the highest Standard of integrity.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Education, Organizational Development, Business, Technology or related field.
• Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, Learning & Development, Organizational Development, Business Administration or related discipline is an added advantage.
• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in capability development, learning, technology transformation, AI adoption or digital transformation roles.
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise capability-building programs.
• Strong understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Analytics, Machine Learning and emerging technologies.
• Experience driving large-scale change management and adoption initiatives.
• Knowledge of adult learning methodologies and capability frameworks.
• Experience managing stakeholder engagement across diverse business functions.
• Experience working with academic institutions and external partners.
• Strong facilitation, coaching and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing capabilities.
• Knowledge of organizational capability assessment and workforce readiness frameworks.
• Experience working within agile and transformation environments.
• Professional certifications in Change Management, Learning & Development, AI or Digital Transformation are an added advantage.

How to apply If you feel that you are up to the challenge and possess the necessary qualification and experience, kindly click on the apply button. Remember to attach your resume