New program launched to boost AI adoption across Kenya

Kenya officially rolled out a major new initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across the country, with the launch of the Kenya Artificial Intelligence Skilling Alliance (KAISA) on 29 October 2025. The platform — created in partnership by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Microsoft — seeks to build a robust, future‑ready workforce and foster innovation by coordinating AI training, research, policy collaboration, and inclusive access to new technologies.
At the high‑level launch event in Nairobi, stakeholders from government, tech firms, academia and civil society pledged to work together under a unified framework. KAISA is designed to address fragmentation in Kenya’s AI ecosystem by aligning AI and digital skills training with industry and public‑sector needs — supporting sectors such as agriculture, health, finance, manufacturing and government services. The programme prioritises inclusion, aiming to extend opportunities to youth, women and underserved communities across urban and rural areas.
According to organizers, KAISA will also support ethical and responsible AI adoption, establish a national AI repository and innovation hub, and help develop policy and governance frameworks to guide deployment.
The launch has already drawn wide praise from Kenya’s tech community, with leaders welcoming it as a long‑overdue, coordinated push toward large‑scale digital transformation. Observers say KAISA could accelerate job creation, boost productivity, and open doors for startups and innovators who previously lacked access to training or supportive infrastructure. At the same time, many note that success will depend on how well the programme scales — and whether it reaches beyond Nairobi to underserved regions, ensuring inclusive benefit across the country. Several experts also called for strong data‑protection measures and ethical guidelines to safeguard citizen privacy as AI tools become more widespread.
Looking ahead, KAISA is expected to play a central role in shaping Kenya’s digital economy over the coming years. With its focus on skills development, collaboration, and governance, the alliance could help transform critical sectors — from agriculture and healthcare to public service delivery — while positioning Kenya as a continental leader in AI. As more Kenyans gain access to training and AI tools, the programme could catalyse innovation, boost economic growth, and improve social infrastructure — setting the stage for a more inclusive, data‑driven future.