Kenya’s AI scene just gained serious momentum. Nairobi based nonprofit This is Digital marked International Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day with an invitation-only breakfast and confirmed an expansive AI Literacy Program that begins 5 August 2025. The initiative arrives as Kenya climbs global readiness charts and businesses scramble to close glaring skills gaps.
A Celebration of Progress and Perspective
Held on 16 July 2025 at The Social House, the breakfast gathered policymakers, educators, and founders under the theme “The Age of AI: A Reality Check.” Keynote speaker Moses Kemibaro from Dotsavvy framed AI as the next productivity wave, while panelists explored sector-specific impacts:
- Eugene Mbugua, D&R Studios (entertainment)
- Caroline Kendi, CK Marketing (marketing)
- Dr. Catherine Gathu, Aga Khan University (medicine)
- Philip Muigai, Cloud Factory (human resources)
Hon Ndindi Nyoro and PS Roseline Njogu offered government and diaspora perspectives, underscoring national ambitions for ethical, inclusive AI adoption.
Why an AI Literacy Program Matters Now
Oxford Insights ranks Kenya sixth in Africa for AI readiness, yet recent research shows a widening competence gap. BrighterMonday’s 2025 report warns that 65% of technical skills demanded by employers could soon be automated, leaving many graduates underprepared. Meanwhile, local commentators ask, Is AI truly accessible across Kenya? The answer is encouraging but uneven, with cloud investments rising even as rural adoption lags.
Enterprise interest is unmistakable. The packed AI Kenya Summit earlier this year signalled brisk corporate demand for conversational intelligence solutions. This is Digital’s program therefore lands at a pivotal moment, promising foundational training for professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.
Bridging Skills and Ethics
Beyond coding tutorials, the curriculum emphasises responsible deployment, data privacy, and bias mitigation—areas repeatedly highlighted in national policy debates. By integrating case studies from healthcare, creative arts, and public service, the course aims to demystify AI and equip participants to make context-aware decisions.
Inside the AI Literacy Program
The learning journey combines flexible online sessions with immersive, in-person labs:
- Online bootcamps: 5, 12, 19, 26 August (Tuesdays) from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- In-person bootcamp: 27 to 29 August at a Nairobi venue to be announced.
- Rolling monthly cohorts: continuous online and face-to-face options.
Each class covers AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, practical toolkits, sector use-cases, and hands-on mini projects. Graduates earn a certificate recognised by partnering institutions and get access to an alumni network for mentorship and job leads.
How to Register and Join the Movement
Registration is open at www.thisisdigital.ai. The organisation encourages early sign-ups to secure limited seats and benefit from introductory pricing. Scholarship slots are available for educators and nonprofit innovators.
Aligning With National Strategy and Ongoing Debates
Kenya’s forthcoming National AI Strategy stresses inclusion, infrastructure, and data governance. Mobile-first experiences remain the entry point for most citizens, as discussed in our analysis of the policy’s link to smartphone innovation. Readers can revisit that discussion in Kenya’s National AI Strategy and the Future of Mobile Technology for deeper context.
Internal Reads to Deepen Your Understanding
- Is AI Accessible in Kenya? explores everyday AI use and infrastructure realities.
- AI Kenya Summit Returns highlights enterprise adoption trends that frame market demand.
- Report Reveals Urgent AI and Digital Skills Gap details the talent shortfall This is Digital hopes to address.
The Road Ahead
As AI permeates every sector, literacy will define who benefits and who is left behind. By offering structured, ethical, and practical training, This is Digital positions Kenyan professionals to seize emerging opportunities, foster home-grown innovation, and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation.
