Kilifi: Education in Kilifi County has received a major boost following the rollout of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training initiative targeting teachers and learners, including those in remote parts of the county. The training initiative, Experience AI, spearheaded by TechKids Africa in partnership with education stakeholders, is equipping teachers with digital skills and practical knowledge on the use of AI tools to enhance teaching and learning in schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, teachers from different parts of the county, including remote areas such as Ganze, Rabai, and parts of Mtwapa, have been introduced to emerging AI technologies that support lesson planning, teaching, research, and personalized learning. Speaking during the training, Paul Akwabi, Technology and Innovation specialist at TechKids Africa, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to promote digital transformation in education and support competency-based learning through technology integration.
Akwabi stated that the Kilifi training is part of a wider national rollout expected to reach more teachers and learners in different counties as the initiative scales up towards a target of 400,000 learners. The 102 teachers who received the AI training will cascade it to their fellow teachers as well as to their learners towards reaching the target.
He emphasized that empowering educators with AI skills is key to preparing learners for a technology-driven future and ensuring schools in remote areas are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Teachers who participated in the training applauded the program, saying it has opened up new opportunities for improving teaching and learning experiences while preparing students for a digital future.
Jerome Kevin, a teacher from Kajiwe Junior School, shared that through Experience AI, they have learned a lot about how to apply AI in class, which will significantly aid in handling lessons. He mentioned learning about machine learning, computer vision, and other concepts. Kevin noted that although many schools in remote areas lack adequate infrastructure, such as computers, parents can support learners using smartphones, which are more readily available, to access digital learning opportunities.
His colleague, Zawadi Masha, expressed that understanding and using AI is a game-changer that is building teachers’ confidence and revolutionizing learning experiences by making complex tasks much simpler. Masha expressed newfound confidence in teaching AI to students, which would enhance her teaching effectiveness.
Kilifi County Government Spokesperson Jonathan Mativo disclosed that AI education reach in schools has been a major challenge in AI utilization, lauding TechKids Africa for supporting digital learning in the county. He acknowledged that while AI is not new, creating a practical use case has been challenging, but having TechKids Africa as a partner will help ensure AI reaches learners.
Officials from the Teachers Service Commission who attended the launch described the initiative as timely, noting that digital skills are becoming essential in modern classrooms and among learners preparing for future careers.
