Following its high-profile Nairobi AI Tour earlier this year and ongoing development efforts including work on local context-aware models like Project Gecko, Microsoft is dramatically expanding its commitment to Africa’s digital future. The Regional Centre of Competence (RCoC) at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) has announced a major partnership with the tech giant to spearhead the Digital and AI Skilling Program for public servants.
This initiative, a directive from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (supported by UNDP Kenya), places Microsoft at the heart of curriculum delivery. It aligns with Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, and the broader push to address the regional AI skills gap, a necessity highlighted in a recent report on the Kenyan job market. Known for its strategic alliances with global AI innovators, Microsoft is now channeling its expertise to train 100,000 public servants over the next three years, ensuring they are ready to revolutionize service delivery.
The program is critical for upskilling officers across job groups L to P, from Ministries to County Governments. It adopts a blended approach, offering virtual coursework alongside practical, in-person sessions at the KSG.
Currently, two tracks are open for enrollment: the Foundation (FDT) and Application (ADT) programs.
The entry-level Foundation of Digital Transformation (FDT) consists of eight key modules, including dedicated courses on Emerging Technologies and AI and Cyber Security. Enrollment for the foundational FDT101 module has surged, attracting over 4,000 applicants who must complete it before accessing the remaining seven courses. Civil servants who complete all eight modules qualify for a three-day practical session at the RCoC.
The subsequent Application (ADT) track targets officers involved in implementing digital strategies. While the introductory ADT201 has over 1,000 enrollments, the remaining seven application-level modules currently show a specific count of 117 enrollees each, suggesting a controlled rollout or progression pipeline.
With advanced tracks like Digital Leadership and AI Management listed as “Coming Soon,” this partnership signals a powerful, Microsoft-backed, state-led shift toward integrating AI as a fundamental requirement for the future of public service delivery in Kenya.
