Skip to content
Insights

Sahihi Labs Blog

Practical notes on machine learning, NLP, and AI strategy for East African organisations — written by the team building it.

Abstract illustration of a wheel of connected data signals feeding into a central scored node, alongside a rising trend line.
Machine Learning

How Kenyan SACCOs Can Use ML for Credit Scoring Without Bureau Data

Most credit scoring models assume you have bureau data. Most SACCOs don't. Here's what we've learned building risk models on transaction history, savings behavior, and group-lending patterns instead.

Josephat Nyambura · May 2025 · 6 min read

Abstract illustration of two overlapping speech bubbles with mixed-language text tokens, representing code-switching.
NLP

Building NLP Pipelines for Swahili: Challenges and Solutions

English-first NLP tools quietly fail on Swahili — code-switching, informal spelling, and limited labeled data all break the defaults. Here's what actually works.

Josephat Nyambura · Apr 2025 · 8 min read

Abstract illustration of an ascending checklist path with the final checkpoint marked complete.
AI Strategy

Is Your Business AI-Ready? A Practical Checklist for East African Companies

Before you hire a data scientist or buy an AI tool, there are five questions worth answering honestly. Most companies skip straight to the model and regret it.

Josephat Nyambura · Mar 2025 · 5 min read