As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, a recurring concern persists: Will AI render human labour obsolete? Reports of automation, robotic workers, and self-driving vehicles have fuelled anxiety over a future where human jobs are drastically reduced.
The World Economic Forum estimates that 85 million jobs may be displaced by AI. However, it also predicts the creation of 97 million new roles. The real question isn’t whether AI will eliminate jobs, but how society will adapt to a world where AI transforms the nature of work.
AI is already deeply embedded in various sectors—from chatbots in customer service to algorithms in healthcare diagnostics. In film, it enhances content recommendations, video editing, and indexing. Even in Africa, where AI adoption is gradual, concerns are mounting—especially in roles involving repetitive tasks in manufacturing, retail, and transportation.
Yet, history shows that technology doesn’t just eliminate jobs; it creates new ones. The shift from manual farming in the 19th century led to urban jobs and new industries.
The internet birthed careers such as app developers and digital marketers. The challenge now is to redefine work in an AI-driven world.
Jobs requiring creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving will become more valuable. While AI excels at data processing, it lacks the human judgment vital in nuanced decision-making.
It can support medical diagnoses but cannot replicate the compassion essential to patient care. In filmmaking, AI may assist in editing or scripting, but it cannot craft narratives steeped in cultural depth and emotional insight.
As machines take on repetitive, data-heavy tasks, humans must focus on roles that require emotional intelligence and critical thinking.
The future lies in upskilling and retraining the workforce to work alongside AI rather than compete with it. Education systems must prioritise fields like robotics, data science, and digital literacy to prepare workers for this shift.
However, the transformation isn’t just technical. Soft skills—such as communication, leadership, and adaptability—will become increasingly important as automation handles the mundane.
These human qualities will remain in high demand as workplaces evolve.
AI also holds the potential to improve equity and safety. By handling dangerous or physically taxing tasks, it can enhance workplace safety and quality of life.
Additionally, it could democratise access to essential services like healthcare, education, and legal support.
Rather than fear the future, we must embrace AI’s possibilities—investing in skills, tools, and policies that ensure people thrive alongside machines.
The writer is the Managing Director at Multichoice Kenya
