NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — In a bustling Nairobi café, children giggle and patrons eagerly film with their smartphones as robots glide between tables, delivering plates of freshly prepared meals. This is the Robot Café, Nairobi’s latest innovation and the first of its kind in East Africa, where three robotic waiters—Claire, R24, and Nadia—have joined the ranks of human staff, offering a unique dining experience that has captivated customers.
Nairobi, often referred to as the “Silicon Savanna,” is known for its vibrant tech industry and innovative startups. The introduction of robotic waiters is a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a tech hub in the region. Café owner Mohammed Abbas, inspired by similar technology he encountered in Asia and Europe, decided to bring the concept to Kenya despite the high cost of importing the robots.
“It was very expensive to import the robots,” Abbas admits, but he says the investment has paid off. The café is frequently packed with curious customers eager to experience the novelty of robot service. One such customer, Packson Chege, was impressed, stating, “I can say it is something unique because here in our country Kenya, I have never seen a restaurant like this one.”
The robots, though not capable of full conversations, can deliver food with a simple message: “Your order is ready, welcome.” They are controlled by human waiters using an iPad application, ensuring that the robots work seamlessly alongside their human counterparts.
Despite the excitement, the introduction of robots has sparked concerns about the impact of automation on jobs, especially in Africa, where the median age is just 19 years. However, the café’s manager, John Kariuki, emphasizes that the robots are not intended to replace human workers. “The robots are actually way too expensive for us to acquire, so if you are trying to save money, it is not going to work if you choose to go the robotic way,” he said, noting that human waiters are still essential for taking orders and serving drinks.
Edith Ojwang, a hospitality industry expert, believes that robots and humans can coexist in the industry. “The hospitality industry is very diverse. We have clients who will prefer robotic service and full automation, while we also have clients who will prefer the human touch and warmth that comes with human service,” she explained, suggesting that the diverse needs of customers will ensure that human labor remains an integral part of the hospitality experience.
As the Robot Café continues to attract attention, the debate over the future of human labor in the face of technological advancement remains a key issue in Nairobi and beyond.
