Day: July 18, 2024

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Sama Partners with the University of Nairobi to Advance Generative AI Capabilities in Africa

Sama to provide part-time employment opportunities to UON Faculty and Students

NAIROBI, KENYA / ACCESSWIRE / July 18, 2024 / Sama, the leader in providing data annotation and model evaluation for some of the world’s biggest artificial intelligence (AI) models, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with The University of Nairobi (UoN) designed to advance the Generative AI (GenAI) industry in Kenya.

By virtue of this partnership, UoN students and faculty will gain exposure to the rapidly evolving GenAI environment through part-time employment opportunities with Sama. Sama will provide the appropriate training, equipment, materials and work areas to facilitate this engagement.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, Prof Stephen Kiama, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, highlighted the importance of this collaboration stating, “Our partnership with Sama presents a significant step forward for students and faculty, providing a unique platform for students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, enhancing their learning and experience and better preparing them for the demands of the AI industry.”

This partnership has come at an opportune time as the UoN gears up to establish an Artificial Intelligence School as part of its plans to create skilled manpower for the future.

Annepeace Alwala, Sama Vice President Global Service Delivery, stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Nairobi to foster the next generation of AI talent in Kenya. This partnership underscores our commitment to driving innovation and creating opportunities for the youth to excel in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. By providing students with practical experience, we are investing in the future of AI and contributing to the growth of the technology sector in Kenya.”

This partnership underscores Sama’s commitment to the national economic development agenda espoused by the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA). This initiative is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, promising to uplift communities, nurture talent and position Kenya within the global AI value chain.

About University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi (UoN), a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament Cap 210 of the Laws of Kenya, is the premier institution of higher education in Kenya and the region. With the highest concentration of talents of about 45,000 students and 4,000 staff, UoN offers solutions to the pressing global challenges through multidisciplinary research. The University has 10 faculties, 11 research institutes and 4 centers of excellence. UoN offers diversified academic programs and specializations in natural sciences, applied sciences, technology, humanities, social sciences and Law.

With a rich history spanning over 50 years, the University of Nairobi has established itself as a leading intellectual hub, offering a wide range of academic programs and opportunities. The University of Nairobi is among the top ranked universities in Africa by both Webometrics and Times Higher Education. It has a global-wide network of research partners and collaborators. UoN is reputed in the region for producing leaders in both the public and private sector. Research, Innovations and entrepreneurship are the key pillars in the delivery of its core mandate.

At UoN, our mission is to provide a transformative and holistic education that nurtures critical thinking, fosters intellectual curiosity, and equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global society. We believe in the power of education to shape future generations, promote social change, and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.

The University of Nairobi is a world class University committed to scholarly excellence.

https://www.uonbi.ac.ke

About Sama

Sama is a global leader in data annotation solutions for computer vision that power AI and machine learning models. Our solutions minimize the risk of model failure and lower the total cost of ownership through an enterprise-ready ML-powered platform and SamaIQ™, actionable data insights uncovered by proprietary algorithms and a highly skilled on-staff team of over 5,000 data experts. 25% of Fortune 50 companies, including GM, Ford, Microsoft, and Google, trust Sama to help deliver industry-leading ML models.

Driven by a mission to expand opportunities for underserved individuals through the digital economy, Sama is a certified B-Corp and has helped more than 65,000 people lift themselves out of poverty. An MIT-led Randomized Controlled Trial has validated its training and employment program. For more information, visit www.sama.com

For Media Inquiries, please contact:

John Anthony Onyango Orindi,MCIPR
Director of Corporate Affairs,
University of Nairobi,
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

SAMA
[email protected]

SOURCE: Sama

 

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Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys drop Walvis Bay Municipality


Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys have terminated their services to the Walvis Bay Municipality as its legal practitioner in both High Court cases brought forth by RedForce debt collectors.

A letter addressed to the municipality dated 16 July 2024 and seen by Nampa on Wednesday, said the termination is effective immediately.

Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys was appointed by the Walvis Municipality to look into the debt collecting contract awarded to RedForce.

A report compiled by the law firm alleges that about N.dollars 17 million was paid to RedForce during the first nine months after entering their agreement. The Municipality of Walvis Bay appointed RedForce in September 2023.

Additionally, on the day on which the contract commenced, the debt collector received N.dollars 313 000.

It is also alleged that over N.dollars 1 million was received on 13 October 2023 without collecting any debts on behalf of the council.

According to the law firm, among the reasons of its decisions to terminate the agreement is the fact th
at the client refuses to comply with the provisions of the Local Authorities Act, the Public Procurement Act 15 of 2015, and its own Credit Control Policy and Water Regulations.

‘Our firm cannot continue to represent a client of your ilk. We hereby terminate all services to the Municipal Council of Walvis Bay. We will file our Notice of Withdrawal as Legal Practitioners of Record in both High Court cases on 17 July 2024.

‘The court order in both matters on the Plea of the Municipal Council of Walvis Bay is due on 26 July 2024 and on 30 July 2024 respectively, however your resolutions have effectively settled such matter to the detriment of your electorate in favour of RedForce,’ the document noted.

Additionally, according to the law firm, there is extremely relevant information concealed by the municipality which will provide further information into the appointment of RedForce as exclusive debt collector for the Municipality of Walvis Bay.

‘Such information has for obvious reasons been blocked and/or tai
lored to prevent positive conclusions, which makes further investigation impossible.’

Contacted for comment, Walvis Bay Municipality Acting Chief Executive Officer David Uushona simply confirmed receipt of the letter.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Two additional boreholes to enhance Usakos water supply


The Usakos Town Council is drilling two additional boreholes within the town boundaries to enhance the water supply for its growing population.

While NamWater provides a portion of the town’s water, about 90 per cent of its needs are met by two local boreholes. In a recent interview with Nampa, Usakos Mayor Irene Simeon-Kurtz explained that the two boreholes are part of a total of five that supplied the town with water.

However, two of these are currently decommissioned due to insufficient inflow, while the other has been declared unsuitable for human consumption.

‘The reliance on boreholes helps reduce the town’s bill to NamWater, but the aging infrastructure poses significant challenges. Burst water pipes and wastage from our obsolete infrastructure also impact the amount of water we receive from NamWater, not necessarily due to consumption but due to wastage,’ she explained.

The mayor also added that although the low rainfall experienced in the town does not affect it directly, it has reduced the under
ground water supply, which in turn affects mining activities and potential construction projects.

Additionally, the town supplies water to surrounding farms, adding to the burden on the water supply.

‘To address these challenges, the town has sought assistance from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and has received approval to commission the two additional boreholes, which will assist us significantly and reduce reliance on NamWater,’ Simeon-Kurtz announced.

The project is estimated to cost the council over N.dollars 2 million.

Additionally, the council is installing more prepaid water meter supply points to provide direct water access to households in the town’s informal settlements.

Previously, residents had to collect water from a pay point using tokens.

Although the town’s high unemployment rates mean some residents struggle to settle their water bills, the mayor has applauded them for trying, particularly the elderly.

She underscored the ongoing efforts to improve Usakos’ water infrastru
cture and supply, ensuring sustainability and reliability for its residents despite the challenges.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Public sector performance should be optimised: Jacobs


WINDHOEK: Public Service Day is aimed at recognising public servants for their hard work and contributions, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Salmaan Jacobs has said.

Jacob said this during a session on optimising public sector performance at the Government Information Centre here on Wednesday.

During the discussion, he stated that the commission is required to identify suitable candidates for appointment at various companies within the public service.

Jacobs stated that work done by public servants includes maintaining democracy, ensuring that governments are functional and work is to be done in terms of health provision.

According to Jacobs, Namibia has about 105 000 public servants, which includes 70 000 civil servants, three groups of uniform servants, mainly the Military, Police and Correctional servants which are 18 000, 15 000, and 2 500 respectively.

Of these public servants, 61 per cent are male, and 49 female, with more men than women on the management level.

‘People must be appoin
ted to different categories of employment, with special emphasis on balance structuring,’ Jacobs said.

With regards to Public Service Day, Jacobs said it is important because public servants need to be recognised for the services they render to different communities.

‘They need to be set aside, thanked, and recognised for their contributions,’ said Jacobs.

Africa Public Service Day, which is commemorated on 23 June annually, was celebrated on 26 to 27 June this year to recognise the achievements of civil servants.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Team Namibia and trade ministry strengthen cooperation


WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade and Team Namibia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday to strengthen cooperation.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation and collaboration to promote shared goals, which include promoting industrialisation, trade, economic development, and entrepreneurship in Namibia.

The executive director of the ministry, Sikongo Haihambo, said the MoU establishes connections that facilitate smooth communication, a shared vision, and collective growth.

‘To this extent, this MoU intends to elevate the terms of cooperation between the two institutions. We hope this will contribute more towards achieving a national industrialised economy through market access and promotion, export development, local sourcing initiatives, product certification and quality standards, support of small and medium enterprises, and capacity building,’ said Haihambo.

He further said the collaboration will benefit both institutions through training and experiences to b
e shared. It also means they have ‘partners to work closely with on areas of common interest such as market access, product certification and quality standards for the growth of the local economy while protecting the health of the people, flora, and fauna.’

The Chairperson of Team Namibia, Sidney Hanstein, stated that the agreement formalises the long-standing relationship with the ministry.

‘Since 2003, Team Namibia has been working closely with the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade on various fronts and the MoU strengthened such cooperation,’ Hanstein said during the signing.

‘Team Namibia’s objective going forward is really just to take hands with the ministry and to have that endorsed from the ministry, that we are a glue with connecting pieces with all enabling partners.’

As per the agreement, Team Namibia will work closely with the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade to promote local products and services, both domestically and internationally. They will further work to ensure that product
s bearing the ‘Made-in-Namibia’ label meet the standards.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

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Family assaulted and robbed on farm outside Keetmanshoop


Members of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) at Keetmanshoop are looking for four suspects that allegedly assaulted and robbed a couple and their 11-year-old daughter at a farm on Tuesday morning.

NamPol crime investigations coordinator for the ||Kharas Region, Deputy Commissioner Nikodemus Mbango in a crime report Wednesday night said the incident happened on Tuesday morning around 02h00 at a plot outside Keetmanshoop.

It is alleged that four suspects broke into the victims’ house through a kitchen widow, went up to the couple’s bedroom, where they attacked the victims (mother and father) and during the commotion, the daughter managed to alert the neighbours.

‘While they were wrestling with the husband, he managed to push them out of the bedroom and locked the door. The suspected robbers forced the door open, and when they realised that the victim was pushing the door from inside, the suspects started shooting through the door and managed to gain entrance to the bedroom,’ Mbango said.

They then tied up
the man with wire, said Mbango.

He added that after a short while, a neighbour arrived at the house, and when the suspects noticed the presence of the neighbour, they fired at him, and he also fired a shot back. The suspects then fled the crime scene with stolen items. They got away with a Lenovo laptop, an iPhone and jewellery, all valued at N.dollars 79 000.

Police processed the crime scene and found a panga, iron bar, four spent cartridges and one projectile believed to have been fired from a pistol possibly belonging to the suspects. No one was injured during the shooting.

The report said the suspects’ footprints were followed and two were picked up by a vehicle while the other two went up to Tseiblaagte Extension 7 (|Gereres) residential area, at Keetmanshoop.

‘The vehicle that picked up the two suspects was traced, and the driver is detained for questioning and two of the suspects became known but are not arrested,’ said Mbango.

Meanwhile, Mbango said police are yet to apprehend the three suspected
that allegedly tied-up and robbed a 61-year-old man at his farm in the Bethanie district on Saturday.

‘No arrest has been made so far, and the public is requested to assist in providing information, especially about someone selling or in possession of a solar pump which may lead to the apprehension of the suspects,’ the deputy commissioner urged.

Source: The Namibia News Agency