Working with Robots as Colleagues: Kenyan Perspectives of Ethical Concerns on Possible Integration of Co-bots in Workplaces
This academic book chapter examines the ethical concerns and perceptions surrounding the possible integration of collaborative robots (co-bots) in Kenyan workspaces. Based on a qualitative study of information professionals in Kenya, the text explores workers' awareness of co-bots, their willingness to share workspaces with machines, and deep-seated ethical issues such as the concept of work, human dignity, trust, and cultural compatibility. The author concludes that Kenyan workers generally view co-bots as tools rather than colleagues and harbor significant ethical reservations about replacing human labor and altering social structures.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the socio-ethical implications of introducing robotics and AI into African workplaces should read this.
What the document contains
The document covers qualitative findings on Kenyan information workers' perspectives regarding collaborative robots, outlining the benefits and demerits of co-bot deployment, workspace sharing models, and deep ethical dilemmas such as labor ownership, human dignity, and cultural values.
The text does not provide formal legal frameworks, binding regulatory guidelines, or enforceable codes of conduct for deploying artificial intelligence and robotics in workspaces.
- Information professionals in Kenya demonstrate a high level of awareness regarding collaborative robots and their potential applications.
- There is currently little to no deployment of co-bots in Kenyan information workspaces, though general robotic applications have emerged during health crises like COVID-19.
- Kenyan workers are willing to share workspaces with co-bots but firmly reject treating them as equals or colleagues, preferring to view them strictly as subordinate tools.
- Key ethical concerns include the divine or natural responsibility of human work, fears of unemployment, cultural incompatibility, and a lack of machine trust.
- Anthropomorphization of machines is viewed with skepticism or moral aversion in the Kenyan and broader sub-Saharan African context.
· Introduction · Emerging Frontiers for Robots · Contextual Information · Literature Review · Methodology of Study · Findings of the Study - Awareness of Co-bots - Extent of Deployment of Co-bots in Kenyan Information Workspaces - Merits and Demerits of Co-bots in Information Workspaces - Co-bots in Information Workspaces in Kenya - Ethical Concerns About Considering Co-bots as Colleagues in the Information Workspaces · Limitations · Conclusions
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Fairness
2/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Liang et al. (2021) explain these ethical dilemmas relating to robots will persist and have consequences on human rights, morals, values, justice and equity.
Literature Review
screening score · 2026-10-24
Transparency
1/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Co-bots can offer transparent and accountable services.
Findings of the Study
screening score · 2026-10-24
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
None
screening score · 2026-10-24
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
This chapter explores these ethical concerns in the Kenyan context.
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-24