Moringa to train 3600 Kenyan youth in free AI skills drive

By Phathisani Moyo, Senior contributor
Johannesburg, 18 Aug 2025
Moringa School CEO Nikki Germany says the free AI upskilling initiative will empower Kenyan youth to move from passive consumers to active innovators in the digital economy.
Moringa School CEO Nikki Germany says the free AI upskilling initiative will empower Kenyan youth to move from passive consumers to active innovators in the digital economy.

Kenya has taken a major step toward preparing its young workforce for the AI-driven future.

Tech talent training hub, Moringa School has unveiled a nationwide initiative to train 3 600 youth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills by December 2026.

Backed by a $2 million Google grant and delivered in partnership with South Africa’s WeThinkCode, the programme is part of a continent-wide effort to train 12 000 learners in Kenya and South Africa. 

Moringa will spearhead the Kenyan rollout, drawing on its alumni network, grassroots partnerships, and industry expertise to ensure inclusive access.

Nikki Germany, CEO of Moringa said the initiative is not just about tech but a key to unlocking economic mobility. “We’re unlocking opportunities for thousands of Kenyans to participate meaningfully in the AI-driven economy, not as passive consumers, but as active innovators,” she said.

The initiative will begin by upskilling young software engineers before expanding to other professions, including healthcare, education, and logistics. The aim is to ensure that AI training is not confined to coders but becomes a tool for problem-solving across multiple sectors.

The launch comes at a critical time when AI adoption is reshaping industries worldwide, yet access to AI training remains concentrated in the Global North. By localising skills development, Kenya is positioning itself to lead Africa in responsible and inclusive AI adoption.

“We believe Kenya can lead the continent in responsible AI adoption. This programme is how we prepare our workforce, not just for jobs of the future, but for leadership in the technologies shaping that future,” added Germany

To ensure diversity, Moringa is conducting a nationwide recruitment drive with a strong focus on women, underrepresented communities, and professionals from varied backgrounds. Partnerships with universities, tech hubs, and industry leaders are already helping drive awareness and enrollment.

By 2026, Moringa hopes not only to train individuals but to create an ecosystem of AI-skilled innovators who can tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges. “The programme is a bold step toward inclusive economic growth, digital sovereignty, and long-term resilience in the face of rapidly evolving technologies,” said Germany.

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