Here are some of the top Tech Trends making an impact in Kenya. 1. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) This technology is used to automate structured and repetitive business processes, freeing up human workers to concentrate on more complex, value-adding work. Businesses are going digital, with 89% of them having already adopted a “digital-first” strategy. This will heavily impact the work landscape. Digital transformation covers the use of digital technologies in reshaping business processes, so it’s more than automation. Companies know that they have to go digital, but do they know how to start? RPA is probably the fastest path to digital transformation and one of the most efficient and effective. To better understand why, let’s see first what it is and what it can do. RPA, or Robotic Process Automation, is the technology that enables computer software to emulate and integrate actions typically performed by a human interacting with digital systems. Automation is happening across all industries… Healthcare, Government, Retail, Manufacturing, Financial & Education Still, when it comes to robots, there’s an elephant in the room…“Will robots take my job?” Probably not. The adoption of robots will likely create more jobs than displace them. 2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. The increasing ability of machines to learn and act intelligently will absolutely transform our world. Many companies are shifting to the use of chatbots as the first line of communication with their customers. The advantage is that being computer programs – they are available 24/7. A customer that leaves a query on a company’s Facebook page receives an instant response, regardless of the time of the day. They can also scan through massive databases to find information much quicker than a human would. If set up correctly, chatbots can be a huge boost to the customer experience while reducing the costs associated with hiring personnel. Digital Wallets A digital wallet (or e-wallet) is a software-based system that securely stores users’ payment information and passwords for numerous payment methods. By using a digital wallet, users can complete purchases easily and quickly with near-field communications technology. They can also create stronger passwords without worrying about whether they will be able to remember them later. Digital wallets can be used in conjunction with mobile payment systems, which allow customers to credit or debit accounts with their smartphones. A digital wallet can also be used to store loyalty card information and digital coupons. 3. Internet of Things (IoT) This refers to the ever-growing number of “smart” devices and objects that are connected to the internet. Such devices are constantly gathering and transmitting data, further fueling the growth in Big Data and AI. As consumers, we’re already using and benefitting from IoT. We can lock our doors remotely if we forget to when we leave for work and preheat our ovens on our way home from work, all while tracking our fitness on our Fitbits. However, businesses also have much to gain now and in the near future. The IoT can enable better safety, efficiency, and decision making for businesses as data is collected and analyzed. It can enable predictive maintenance, speed up medical care, improve customer service, and offer benefits we haven’t even imagined yet. 4. Big Data and Analytics Big Data refers to the exponential growth in the amount of data being created in our world. Thanks to highly advanced data analytics, often fueled by AI techniques, we can now make sense of and work with enormously complex and varied streams of data. Continuous improvement of big data analytics capabilities means that industries can explain the current and predict the future easily. And as they say, numbers never lie, the use of big data ensures there is efficiency in terms of cost and productivity. It drives competitiveness and performance in key industries and an emphasis on its use is crucial in Kenya.