More than 400 developers, entrepreneurs, technology professionals, students and innovators gathered at Strathmore University for ClawCon Nairobi, described by organisers as Africa’s first community-led conference focused on personal artificial intelligence.
The inaugural event highlighted growing interest in a new generation of AI systems designed not only to answer questions but also to perform tasks, automate routine processes and work across multiple digital platforms.
Much of the conference discussion focused on OpenClaw, an open-source personal AI assistant that can run on a user’s computer, server or cloud environment. With appropriate permissions, the system can connect to selected communication channels, applications and digital services.
The technology reflects a broader shift in artificial intelligence towards AI agents capable of carrying out tasks on behalf of users.
Unlike conventional chatbots, which primarily respond to prompts, personal AI agents can be configured around individual or organisational requirements and integrated into specific workflows.
Potential applications include research, information management, administrative support, software development, content preparation and the coordination of recurring business activities.
Developer and OpenClaw community member Frank Odongkara said the technology could offer an affordable productivity tool for African entrepreneurs, professionals and students.
“OpenClaw is an exciting technology leap for African entrepreneurs, professionals, and students. It’s now possible to have an intelligent, personal assistant in your WhatsApp DM that is just yours alone. And it costs next to nothing,” he said.
Hosted by First Circle Capital Partner Agnes Aistleitner, ClawCon Nairobi brought together participants from different parts of Kenya’s technology ecosystem, including developers, founders, researchers, creators and business operators.
Demonstrations and discussions at the conference examined how personal AI agents could be applied to everyday work, business operations and the development of technology products.
The attendance also reflected the expanding discussion around artificial intelligence in Kenya, particularly the growing focus on how AI can be developed and adapted for local applications.
“Interest is no longer limited to using AI products developed elsewhere. Increasingly, developers and businesses are looking at how these technologies can be built, adapted and applied to local needs,” Aistleitner said.
OpenClaw was created by Austrian software developer and entrepreneur Peter Steinberger, who previously founded PSPDFKit, a document technology company. The project began as a personal initiative before evolving into an international open-source community involving developers, entrepreneurs, researchers and users.
For African entrepreneurs and small businesses, personal AI systems could provide access to affordable and customisable digital assistance.
Such systems can potentially handle routine administrative functions, support research and information management, and enable individuals and small teams to undertake tasks that might otherwise require additional staff or more extensive technology infrastructure.
Aistleitner said the Nairobi conference demonstrated a changing understanding of what AI can offer users.
“ClawCon Nairobi highlighted a fundamental change in the way people are thinking about AI. The question is increasingly shifting from what artificial intelligence can generate to what it can actually do,” she said.
As personal AI technology continues to develop, AI agents could increasingly serve as an interface between users and the digital tools they rely on, potentially changing how individuals manage their work, how businesses organise operations and how entrepreneurs develop products and services.