Stanbic Kenya Foundation Launches Microsoft Elevate AI National Skilling Initiative in Kenya
In a major step towards preparing Kenyans for the future digital economy, Stanbic Kenya Foundation has partnered with Microsoft, Pathways Technologies and Konza Technopolis to roll out the Microsoft Elevate AI National Skilling Initiative across several counties in Kenya.
The initiative, officially launched on June 26, 2026, seeks to equip trainers, institutions, young people and small businesses with practical and foundational Artificial Intelligence skills that can be applied in everyday work and business environments.
The programme has already trained 152 participants drawn from counties in the Coast region including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Taita Taveta, as well as participants from Embu.
The training programme aims to build a strong foundation for AI adoption in Kenya by ensuring that educators and institutions possess the knowledge and practical skills needed to train the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs.
Supporting Kenya’s Digital Transformation Agenda
The Microsoft Elevate AI National Skilling Initiative has been designed to support Kenya’s wider digital transformation ambitions as outlined in the country’s Digital Masterplan and the national development blueprint, Vision 2030.
By investing in Artificial Intelligence skills, the programme hopes to position Kenya as a leading regional hub for AI talent and innovation in Africa.
The partnership combines Microsoft’s global expertise in AI technologies with Stanbic Kenya Foundation’s extensive networks among youth groups, small businesses and county governments. This collaboration is expected to expand AI learning opportunities beyond major urban centres and into underserved communities and informal sectors.
According to the partners, the initiative is particularly important as AI continues to transform industries worldwide, creating new opportunities while also changing the skills employers require from workers.
Stanbic Foundation Focuses on Digital Literacy
Speaking during the launch, Mercy Githanji, Head of Stanbic Foundation, noted that digital literacy remains one of the organisation’s key focus areas.
She explained that the foundation has consistently partnered with Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions as well as vocational training centres to ensure instructors are equipped with modern digital skills.
These efforts are aimed at improving employability, encouraging entrepreneurship and increasing participation in Kenya’s fast-growing digital economy.
“Digital literacy is one of the core pillars of Stanbic Kenya Foundation’s work. Through this pillar, we partner with TVETs and Vocational Training Centres to build the capacity of instructors to deliver digital skills training that supports employability, entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy,” she said.
The comments reflect growing recognition that AI literacy is becoming as important as traditional computer literacy in the modern workplace.
Building on Existing Digital Skills Success
The new AI initiative builds on years of digital skills investments by Stanbic Kenya Foundation and its partners.
Since 2021, the foundation has worked with multiple stakeholders to provide women, young people and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with digital skills relevant to the modern economy.
Through the Future ni Digital platform, thousands of learners have accessed training opportunities ranging from basic computer literacy to advanced digital competencies.
These efforts have contributed to more than 250,000 Kenyans receiving digital skills training since 2019, demonstrating the growing demand for technology-focused education across the country.
The success of previous programmes has provided a strong foundation for the introduction of AI-focused learning opportunities.
AI Skills for Agriculture and Small Businesses
One of the standout features of the Microsoft Elevate AI National Skilling Initiative is its emphasis on practical applications rather than purely theoretical training.
According to Winnie Karanu, Microsoft’s AI Skills Director, the content has been tailored to address the realities of Kenyan communities and businesses.
The training modules incorporate sectors that are critical to Kenya’s economy including agriculture, entrepreneurship and small business operations.
This means participants will not only learn about Artificial Intelligence concepts but also understand how AI can be used to improve productivity, enhance decision-making and create new business opportunities.
For example, farmers can use AI-powered tools to monitor crops and predict weather patterns, while entrepreneurs can leverage AI technologies for customer service, marketing and business analysis.
By localising the content, the initiative aims to ensure that AI skills translate into tangible economic opportunities for learners.
Reaching Communities Beyond Major Cities
Another major objective of the initiative is expanding access to technology education beyond Kenya’s largest urban centres.
Historically, advanced technology training programmes have largely been concentrated in cities such as Nairobi, limiting opportunities for learners in rural and semi-urban regions.
Through partnerships with county governments and community-based organisations, Microsoft and Stanbic Foundation hope to bridge this gap.
“Through partners like Stanbic Foundation, we have been able to deliver training via county-level engagements and community-based platforms, expanding access beyond major cities,” said Winnie Karanu.
This approach aligns with broader national goals of ensuring inclusive digital transformation that benefits all regions of the country rather than a select few urban areas.
Preparing Kenya for the Future Economy
As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape industries globally, experts argue that countries that invest early in AI skills development will enjoy significant economic advantages.
Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs, with initiatives such as Konza Technopolis aiming to transform the country into Africa’s Silicon Savannah.
The launch of the Microsoft Elevate AI National Skilling Initiative is therefore seen as an important milestone in building the human capital needed to support this vision.
Stanbic Kenya Foundation says it remains committed to creating opportunities that extend beyond statistics by empowering communities and ensuring more Kenyans can confidently participate in the economy of the future.
With Artificial Intelligence expected to influence virtually every sector over the coming decade, initiatives such as this could play a critical role in determining how successfully Kenya competes in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.