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African OBSERVATORY
FOR RESPONSIBLE
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Leonida is an entrepreneur and researcher working at the intersection of inclusive AI and development. She is an experienced data scientist, published in several peer-reviewed journals and a sought-after global keynote speaker on the opportunities of data, AI and emerging technologies to improve inclusive access to financial services, promote climate-smart agriculture, good governance practices and the achievement of sustainable development goals. She is the founder of Intelipro, an African company building business management and analytics tools that enable entrepreneurs to make sustainable and profitable decisions for their businesses. She is also the AI Research Director and leads the Accountable and Inclusive AI practice at the Local Development Research Institute, a Nairobi-based think-tank whose work contributes to the efforts of African countries to end extreme poverty, hunger and reduce inequalities. She is a co-founder of SILT, a non-profit focused on funding and holding space for critical research and counter-narratives on data stewardship and the socio-technical layers of science, innovation and knowledge production.
My name is Leonida Mutuku, and I lead the AI practice at the Local Development Research Institute. Our work focuses on supporting the public sector in ending extreme poverty, hunger, and inequality. Through AI, we aim to establish norms and standards that ensure responsible adoption and equitable benefits for all citizens.
My journey into AI and development was not planned. I started as a research analyst at iHub in Nairobi, supporting international organizations like the World Bank and Google in collecting and analyzing field data. This experience exposed me to the power of data and how it could drive impactful decisions. Over time, I transitioned into data science and business analytics, ultimately applying my expertise to social development projects.
Rather than following a set path, my career grew from different experiences and meaningful work that shaped my perspective on AI’s potential for social good.
Entrepreneurship requires creativity, problem-solving, and a willingness to take risks—qualities that are also needed to address development challenges. Innovation is key in finding new solutions, whether in business or the public sector. My approach has always been to use technology to create real impact. By taking initiative, we can build data-driven solutions that support advocacy, policy change, and long-term development.
At that time, big data was still a new concept, and many organizations struggled with digitization. Since then, we've made progress. Computing power has improved, institutions understand the value of data, and AI tools are becoming more accessible.
However, challenges remain. Many governments still do not have digitized records, making it difficult to use data effectively for decision-making. While awareness of AI and big data has increased, implementation has been slow. The good news is that there is now more proof of what data can do, and governments are more open to investing in data-driven policies.
One of my most exciting projects is developing an early warning system for smallholder farmers using AI and satellite imagery. This tool provides real-time information to help farmers manage risks like crop failure due to climate change. By combining indigenous knowledge with advanced technology, we empower farmers with resources that were previously out of reach.
Another major milestone has been working on policy-making in Kenya. Through the Open Government Partnership, we’ve advocated for transparency in budget allocations, the publication of open data, and the integration of human rights into digital governance. These projects have long-term impact, shaping how technology and governance work together to serve people.
Rather than a single mentor, I’ve been fortunate to work with many brilliant individuals, both men and women, who have supported my journey. My early bosses gave me opportunities to take on big projects, like setting up Kenya’s first data science lab, even without prior experience. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in leadership and the importance of creating opportunities for others as well.
For AI to be truly inclusive, representation must happen at all levels. Currently, many women in AI work in areas like data annotation and content moderation, but we need more involvement in designing AI models and shaping policies. Women’s lived experiences bring valuable insights that can help identify and reduce bias in AI systems.
Beyond technical roles, participation in AI governance is also critical. AI affects our daily lives, and diverse voices should have a say in how data is used and how policies are made. If we want AI systems to reflect our realities, we must be involved in their development and regulation.
A lot of AI funding in Africa comes from Western donors, who often set priorities that don’t fully align with local needs. At SILT, we are working to create independent spaces where African researchers, artists, and technologists can develop solutions based on their own priorities.
Self-determination is important. We need to set our own research agendas, manage our own funding, and ensure that technology serves local communities rather than just meeting external expectations.
I encourage women to be bold and confident in the spaces they enter. Many of us struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like we don’t belong in leadership or global discussions. But we have to push past that. Claim your space, make your voice heard, and contribute to shaping the future of AI.
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Leonida Mutuku’s journey highlights the power of persistence, innovation, and representation in technology. Her work in AI and data-driven development is not only transforming policy and governance but also paving the way for a more inclusive AI ecosystem. As Africa continues its digital transformation, voices like hers are crucial in ensuring that technology benefits everyone.
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