Citi has announced the addition of new artificial intelligence tools to its Sub-Saharan African operations with Kenya being one of the first markets to gain access to these tools.
The rollout gives more than 200 Kenyan employees access to generative AI systems designed to automate routine processes, accelerate decision-making and enhance data insights. Citi isn’t reinventing the wheel but is leveraging established LLMs such as Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok and running them through tightly controlled enterprise frameworks that allow secure access to internal data while maintaining strict governance.
These systems run inside gated cloud environments and connect directly to a bank’s internal data, documents and workflows. This gives employees a “corporate AI assistant” designed for productivity, analysis and compliance.
Globally, the bank is extending these tools to over 150,000 employees across 80 markets, one of the largest AI deployments by a global bank to date.
Many banks in Kenya are experimenting with AI on the consumer side through chatbots, fraud detection, and digital lending but Citi is focusing on internal productivity and operational intelligence. The bank says the goal is to free up staff to concentrate on complex, strategic work, improving both efficiency and client engagement.
“Our investment in AI is a commitment to building an AI-ready workforce,” said Joseph Otieno, Sub-Saharan Africa Technology Head at Citi. “Generative AI isn’t replacing human judgment; it’s enhancing it.”
The tools include AI-powered assistants that summarize documents, automate workflows, generate reports and support analytical decisions. These capabilities represent a significant shift in how internal teams operate for a bank with multinational operations and millions of data points flowing across markets.
Citi’s decision to prioritize kenya is a clear indication of Nairobi’s growing role as a hub for enterprise-level AI adoption.
“Through this initiative, we are actively developing what we believe will be the first truly AI-ready workforce in our industry,” said Martin Mugambi, CEO of Citi Kenya.
His comments match a broader industry trend where banks are preparing their internal operations for an AI-driven future. This is a future where automation becomes a foundational layer of financial services.
Citi says its deployment is supported by strict governance frameworks and cybersecurity controls.
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