Actuarial scientist builds Kenya’s first AI-powered tax assistant

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

Elizabeth Andiko has always had a soft spot for technology. Long before artificial intelligence became the global buzzword it is today, she was already imagining how digital tools could make everyday life simpler.

After graduating in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi, Elizabeth joined the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). What could have been a routine career in taxation quickly became an opportunity to reimagine how government services could connect with people.

She began to see technology not just as a tool for efficiency but as a way to make systems friendlier, more accessible, and more human. That vision came to life with the unveiling of UshuruGPT, Kenya’s first AI-powered tax assistant, at the KRA Summit in October 2025. She became one of the lead technical advisors for the AI tool.

Global recognition

“Think of it as a helpful digital companion that guides you through tax processes without the stress. Instead of long queues, confusing jargon, and endless paperwork, taxpayers can now ask questions in plain language and receive clear, step-by-step answers instantly. It’s about making government services feel less bureaucratic and more conversational,” Elizabeth explains.

Her work has earned her global recognition, and she was recently ranked among the Top 50 Women in Tax Technology worldwide, placing her in a select group of professionals shaping the future of fiscal innovation.

For Elizabeth, though, the accolades are secondary to the impact she sees on everyday citizens.

She believes technology must serve people in all their diversity. That means designing systems that work whether you’re filing taxes from a smartphone in Nairobi or using USSD in a rural town with limited internet access.

UshuruGPT was deliberately built to function on platforms Kenyans already use daily, such as WhatsApp and USSD.

Elizabeth also champions gender-responsive design, multilingual interfaces, and accessibility features for persons with disabilities.

“Technology should adapt to the realities of the people it serves,” she says. “It shouldn’t assume everyone has the same access or ability.”

She often refers to the “once-only” rule, which means citizens should provide their information once, and government systems should securely reuse it without forcing them to repeat the same details over and over.

It’s a vision of government that feels less like a rigid institution and more like a helpful partner.

“Early signs show it’s working as we have seen fewer walk-ins at KRA offices, faster query resolutions, and happier first-time filers,” notes Elizabeth.

One of the biggest hurdles is balancing innovation with governance frameworks that prioritise accuracy, accountability and security. Trust also remains a key challenge, both from institutions and citizens.

“Introducing AI into tax systems requires reassurance that technology is not replacing human judgment, but enhancing service delivery. Ensuring inclusivity in a rapidly changing digital space remains an ongoing effort,” she says.

For young women and innovators eyeing careers in technology and public service, Elizabeth offers practical advice, “Ask yourself why a process feels so complicated, then look for ways to simplify it,” she says. Her other golden rule is to embed inclusivity from the very beginning.

“When technology speaks the language of the people, trust deepens, and compliance becomes easier,” she adds.

Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.