L-R Winnie Karanu, AI national skills initiative director at Microsoft, Constantine Obuya, African Centre for Women, Information and Communication Technology and Dr. Ehud Gachugu, deputy CEO and global director youth and jobs Kenya Private Sector Alliance during the Microsoft AI national skilling initiative launch.

Microsoft announced on Thursday the launch of a new skilling initiative in Kenya that aims at training one million people in artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security by 2027.

According to the global tech company, this effort is part of its commitment to democratising AI and equipping citizens with the skills required to succeed in the digital economy, which aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030 and Digital Masterplan.

It goes on to say that this skill-building effort seeks to have a substantial impact on Kenya's digital economy by encouraging innovation and digital transformation across sectors such as government, industry, education, and non-profit organisations.

Winnie Karanu, AI national skills initiative director for Kenya at Microsoft, commented: “Kenya's vibrant tech ecosystem and commitment to digital transformation make it the perfect location for our skilling initiative. We are excited to empower individuals, SMEs and organisations with the skills needed to thrive in any sector including tech.”

By 2027, the initiative intends to provide SMEs and industry professionals with the skills they need to integrate AI into their operations, thereby boosting economic growth and job creation, while also improving educational quality by increasing the use of AI among educators and students.

Key initiative highlights include teaching one million people in AI and cyber security through platforms such as the Kenya Skills Hub and Smart Academy.

Microsoft will also collaborate with government entities, such as Kenya's Ministry of Information Communication and the Digital Economy and the Public Service Commission, to improve citizen skills and promote AI and cyber security policy development.

The initiative will include comprehensive AI education programs for K-12 students, university, and vocational training institutions, ensuring a pipeline of AI talent.

Microsoft said the programme will also target critical industries such as agriculture, and financial services, driving AI transformation and skills development for economic growth.

The AI skilling initiative builds on other programmes in Kenya to build digital literacy and technology skills, also supported by Microsoft.

“Skilling at scale supports the Kenyan government’s goal to firmly position Kenya as a global leader in AI talent, and it reaffirms Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to building the digital skills needed to position Kenya for long-term success in the global digital economy,” said Karanu.