Kenya prepares education system for the age of AI

by MARIA MACHARIA
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – KENYA has intensified discussions at government level to align its education system with the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

Officials believe embracing AI in education offers powerful opportunities to enhance access, reduce administrative inefficiencies, support teachers and pinpoint where learners need extra help.

It is also anticipated that AI can promote inclusivity and equity by bridging geographical divides, expanding access to resources, supporting local-language learning and providing assistive technologies for students with diverse needs.

This was the theme of Wednesday’s meeting between Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology for the government, and Julius Migos Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education, held in Nairobi to prepare Kenya’s education system for the age of AI.

The officials discussed how education connected to Kenya’s longer-term ambitions, including Vision 2060, the National Infrastructure Fund and clearer pathways to future opportunities.

“The opportunity is to use AI not only for efficiency, but to make quality education more inclusive, accessible and equitable – while building capable, grounded and future-ready Kenyans,” Thigo said.

He said AI created real opportunities to improve access, reduce inefficiencies, support teachers and administrators, strengthen education, and better identify where learners need support.

“It can also help level the playing field across the country — expanding access to quality learning resources regardless of geography, supporting local-language learning, and using assistive technologies to better serve learners with disabilities and different learning needs.”

However, Thigo said education must continue to build the fundamentals, which are knowledge, critical thinking, cognitive capacity, character, ethics and agency.

“As we reform the curriculum, we must ensure our education system reflects Kenya’s culture, languages, local knowledge and values, while preparing young people for new pathways in work, entrepreneurship, agriculture and emerging industries.”

Kenya’s national AI plan integrates smart technology into schools to improve learning and build digital skills.

The Kenya National AI Strategy (2025-2030) treats education as a core sector for national growth.

– CAJ News