The Kenyan government, through the ICT Authority, has launched the AI Champions Recognition Programme. This initiative aims to equip young people with practical artificial intelligence skills as part of the national goal to train 20 million citizens in digital skills by 2032.

• The programme aims to train young Kenyans in AI and digital skills, with applications now open.
• Key partners in this initiative include the ICT Authority, Microsoft, and Pathways Technologies Limited.
• Youth from diverse sectors, not just technology, are encouraged to apply for this fully sponsored, 4-day virtual training set to run from June 29th to July 2nd, 2026.

Kenya is in discussions with OpenAI to potentially host the first OpenAI Academy in Eastern Africa, with Nairobi as the proposed location.

• Kenya leads in ChatGPT use globally, with 42.1% of internet users aged 16+ having used it recently.
• The talks involve President William Ruto and OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman, signaling substantial discussions beyond a preliminary agreement.
• The OpenAI Academy is an educational program focused on AI literacy, not a physical institution, with previous workshops held in Nigeria.

In its first year of operation, Safaricom's East Africa Device Assembly plant has produced approximately 700,000 devices and created 300 local jobs, significantly contributing to digital inclusion in the region.

• The plant, a Safaricom-led joint venture, assembled around 700,000 devices, including 4G-enabled smartphones, educational tablets, and KYC devices, with an annual capacity of 3 million units.
• Key organizations involved include Safaricom, Jamii Telecoms, Vodacom Group, and OEM Lel Technology.
• Local assembly has reduced device costs by up to 30%, enabling 4G smartphones to retail for as low as US$50 (KES 7,499).