New program launched to boost robotics training across Kenya

Kenya has unveiled a groundbreaking program aimed at expanding robotics training across the country, marking a significant step in its digital transformation agenda. The initiative was launched at Mount Kenya University (MKU), where education leaders introduced the Walker E humanoid robot alongside new laboratory facilities designed to give students hands-on experience with advanced technologies. The program, backed by government agencies and private sector partners, seeks to equip young people with critical STEM skills while preparing industries for automation and smart solutions.
The launch builds on Kenya’s broader Digital Economy Blueprint 2025, which prioritizes innovation and technology adoption as drivers of sustainable growth. In addition to university-level training, the program includes the rollout of Rural Robotics Labs, designed to reach high school students in underserved communities. These labs will allow learners to design, program, and build drones and bots, ensuring that robotics education is not limited to urban centers. International collaborations, such as the ITU–Google–will.i.am initiative introduced earlier in September 2025, are also being integrated into the curriculum, embedding robotics into both formal and informal education systems.
The new program has been welcomed by policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, who see it as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation. Startups in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics are expected to benefit from a new generation of robotics-trained graduates capable of developing automation solutions tailored to local challenges. Analysts note that Kenya’s robotics market is projected to reach US$23.12 million in 2025, with strong growth expected through 2030, underscoring the economic potential of this investment. Looking ahead, officials believe the program will accelerate job creation, attract foreign investment, and reinforce Kenya’s role as East Africa’s innovation hub. By embedding robotics into education and industry, Kenya is laying the foundation for a resilient, future-ready economy.