As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine industries and revolutionize how we learn and work, it has become essential for Kenyan educators to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to bring these concepts into their classrooms. While Kenya’s Competency Based Education (CBE) has made strides in introducing coding through tools like Scratch, there remains a significant gap: the formal integration of AI. This gap, however, has created a unique opportunity to prepare teachers to inspire the next generation of Kenyan innovators.
At Tech Kidz Africa, we’ve partnered with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind to bridge this divide. Through the Experience AI program, we have equipped 474 teachers in five counties Mombasa, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Meru, and Nakuru with hands-on AI and machine learning skills. These dynamic sessions have introduced educators to AI basics, practical problem-solving with machine learning models, and real-world applications.
A highlight of our efforts was in Meru County, where teachers developed a supermarket AI model and collaborated in groups to design innovative projects. One such group designed an AI dishwashing system that automates water removal based on dirty dish detection showing just how creative teachers can be when given the right tools.
These experiences have ignited confidence and curiosity in educators, many of whom are already weaving AI concepts into their teaching. As one educator, Mr. Githinji from Meru, shared:
"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."
Beyond classrooms, we’ve seen powerful support from local leaders and stakeholders. His Excellency Andrew Mwadime, Governor of Taita Taveta County, noted:
“I challenge the teachers here to make use of these valuable resources to enrich learning in the classroom. I was once a Mathematics teacher, and I wish I had access to this technology. Thank you, Tech Kidz Africa, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and Google DeepMind for empowering our educators.”
Ben Garside’s Inspiring Visit and Social Impact
Our recent sessions with Ben Garside, Lead Educator for Experience AI at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, further cemented this movement. In Mombasa, we visited Star of the Sea Primary and Junior School, where learners in Grades 4 to 9 showcased impressive AI skills: training image-based machine learning models, testing for accuracy, and discussing data bias and fairness. The students even built a utensil model using images of spoons, flasks, and plates a testament to their capacity to tackle real-world challenges with AI.
Our Executive Director, Paul Akwabi, emphasized the transformative power of this learning:
“This gives our learners an edge for future careers. Their eagerness and curiosity prove that, with the right tools, they are more than ready.”
Reflecting on his experience, Ben Garside noted:
“It’s inspiring to see how eager and engaged these young minds are. They’re proof that with the right support, Kenya’s next generation is more than ready to take on the future of AI with creativity, ethics, and innovation.”
We’ve seen this enthusiasm ripple across counties. In Nakuru, a virtual Christian Religious Education class connected over 1,749 students from 27 schools, who used AI to classify books of the Old and New Testaments breathing new life into ancient stories through modern technology. This blend of digital platforms and collaborative learning underscores the future of education: borderless, dynamic, and deeply engaging.
Meanwhile, at Mwingo Academy, learners showcased an innovative sound dataset that distinguished between wild and domestic animal sounds, highlighting how diverse data sources can enrich the Experience AI program. A visit to Mwangala Primary School was equally inspiring students used AI to work on an organic waste project, proving that young minds, when equipped with the right tools, can drive real-world change.
A Shared Vision for an Inclusive Digital Future
The overwhelming enthusiasm from both educators and learners is a clear sign that the Experience AI program has resonated deeply. Teachers are eager for more training opportunities and are already integrating these lessons into their classrooms. Many have shared how AI has become more accessible and relevant, and there is a growing call to scale these efforts and reach more educators across Kenya.
As our Executive Director, Paul Akwabi, notes:
“Experience AI is not just about the technology it’s about shifting perspectives. It’s about showing teachers that AI is not here to take their jobs but to support them. Educators see themselves as active participants in this digital revolution, shaping tools that will define the future.”
Indeed, Experience AI is about more than teaching algorithms. It’s about empowering people to see AI as a tool for inclusion, creativity, and equity. With continued support from partners, county governments, and passionate educators, we are confident that no child will be left behind as Kenya embraces the digital revolution.