Impact of Experience AI in Kenya
Today’s blog post is written by Paul Akwabi, Executive Director at Tech Kidz Africa, part of our global partner network for Experience AI.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and redefine how we work and learn, it is essential that Kenyan educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to introduce AI concepts to their learners.
In Kenya, the education system has taken significant steps towards digital literacy through the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), which has introduced young learners to coding using Scratch and laid a foundation for tech skills. However, AI is yet to be formally integrated into the curriculum. This has presented an opportunity to prepare teachers to integrate AI into their lessons and inspire the next generation of innovators.
How Experience AI has increased digital literacy
Our partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation has been a vital element in the retooling of Kenyan educators. Using the Foundation’s Experience AI resources, which they co-developed with Google DeepMind, we have equipped 441 teachers with practical AI and machine learning skills through hands-on training sessions in five counties: Mombasa, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Meru, and Nakuru.
Our work to empower young learners with coding, robotics, and AI skills has positioned us as a key driver of digital literacy in Kenya. The Experience AI materials have helped us take key next steps — we’ve scaled up AI education, reached more teachers, and further democratised access to emerging technologies, supporting our goal of ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital revolution.
To make the delivery of our training sessions as smooth as possible, we’ve joined hands with county governments and local education authorities like the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). In all the counties we’ve been working in, the TSC are actively promoting digital literacy among teachers and have made sure we equip teachers with the understanding and skills to use AI effectively.
Through our expert trainers, we’ve been able to offer hands-on introductions to AI concepts, provide opportunities for practical problem-solving with machine learning models, and expose participants to real-world AI applications. A great example of the work we’ve done is the training we gave to teachers in Meru County, where they learned to create an AI model that recognises certain food types in supermarkets. Later, in group sessions, participants developed their own diverse and innovative AI models. One group, for instance, designed an AI model for dishwashing that detects dirty dishes and automates the water removal process.
Feedback from training
Through the Experience AI training sessions, many educators gained new confidence and skills, and have already started to integrate AI into their classrooms.
“I am grateful for the invaluable skills gained through the Experience AI training. The knowledge I’ve acquired will not only enhance my ability to conduct research but also empower me to teach my students how to effectively use AI. This is just the beginning. I look forward to building on this foundation and exploring even greater possibilities with AI.” — Mr. Githinji, Meru, Kenya
In any aspect of life, learning is about shifting perspectives, nurturing curiosity, and embracing new possibilities — this is what drives innovation. The Experience AI training in Kenya has exemplified this, transforming how we think and approach technology.
“I am glad that my county has been considered in this training. I challenge the teachers here to make use of these useful resources to spice up learning in the classroom. I was once a mathematics teacher and I wish I had technology to teach. Thank you Tech Kidz Africa, Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind for empowering these teachers.” — His Excellency Andrew Mwadime, Governor Taita Taveta County
The overwhelming enthusiasm from educators and learners is evidence that the Experience AI lessons have been highly impactful. Teachers have expressed a strong desire for more training opportunities to support them in equipping students for the future. Many of the teachers have also expressed how the training has demystified AI, enhancing accessibility and giving their daily teaching added relevance. In addition, there is a clear call to scale up these efforts to reach more teachers across the counties in Kenya to ensure that AI education is widespread and inclusive.
Experience AI is bringing a unique AI experience to teachers, helping ease fears that AI might render them obsolete or take away their jobs. Educators are excited to explore how AI algorithms work and how they can train them for the benefit of both themselves and their students. They recognise that AI can help create an equal playing field, offering tools worldwide that can showcase and accentuate their talents, capabilities, and skill sets.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Experience AI resources, visit the Experience AI website.
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Bushnell Peter
As the National Chair for ICT Champion Teachers and Master Trainer in ICT integration under the Teachers Service Commission, I am proud to witness and affirm the profound impact that the Experience AI initiative by Techkidz Africa has had in Nakuru County and beyond.
A Groundbreaking Launch, A Transformative Journey
The launch of Experience AI in Nakuru County was more than a ceremony — it was a declaration of intent. Attended by over 300 stakeholders, including top government officials, the event marked a pivotal moment in our education sector. Since then, AI has not only entered our classrooms — it has redefined how we teach, manage, and inspire.
AI in the Hands of Teachers: From Burden to Breakthrough
Before Experience AI, many teachers in Nakuru struggled with repetitive administrative tasks and limited digital tools. Today, thanks to Techkidz Africa’s training and the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s resources, AI is helping teachers:
– Automate lesson planning and grading
– Manage learner data and performance tracking
– Streamline school operations and communication
This has freed up valuable time for teachers to focus on what matters most — engaging learners and nurturing curiosity.
Learners as Innovators: Machine Learning for Local Impact
Perhaps the most exciting development is how learners are now using AI to solve real-world problems. Through hands-on training in machine learning, students have developed projects addressing local challenges — from waste management to smart agriculture. In Nakuru:
– 70% of learners exposed to AI express strong interest in pursuing it as a career
– 90% are eager to work in tech-related fields
This is not just a statistic — it’s a signal that Kenya’s next generation of innovators is already in motion.
AI as a Catalyst for Equity and Global Competitiveness
Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) emphasizes digital literacy as a core competence. Yet, AI is not yet formally embedded in the curriculum. Experience AI fills this gap by:
– Equipping teachers with foundational AI knowledge
– Providing culturally relevant, localized resources
– Demystifying AI and making it accessible to all learners, regardless of background
This aligns with Kenya’s draft National AI Strategy 2025–2030, which envisions AI as a driver of inclusive development and global competitiveness.
National Momentum: Nakuru as a Model for the Country
The ripple effects of Experience AI in Nakuru are now being felt nationwide. According to recent Google research:
– Searches for “AI jobs” in Kenya have tripled
– Interest in “AI courses” has more than doubled
– Kenya ranks 4th in Africa and 13th globally in AI-related search interest
This surge in curiosity and ambition is a testament to the groundwork laid by initiatives like Experience AI.
A Call to Scale and Sustain
While the progress is commendable, the journey is far from over. To fully harness AI’s potential in education, we must:
– Expand training to reach more counties and underserved schools
– Integrate AI formally into the CBE
– Provide ongoing mentorship and infrastructure support
– Foster partnerships with universities, industry, and global AI leaders
Gratitude and Vision
To Techkidz Africa, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, and Google DeepMind — thank you for believing in Kenyan educators and learners. Your work has not only empowered us with tools but has reignited our purpose and potential.
Nakuru County remains deeply grateful for this noble idea, introduced at a time when teachers were searching for new ways to teach, research, and connect with learners. The future of education in Kenya is not just digital — it is intelligent, inclusive, and inspired.
Let’s keep building it together.