Nairobi, 29th May, 2026
Nairobi County has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme aimed at strengthening digital skills, innovation, and technology-driven service delivery across the county.
The programme, spearheaded by the Digital Economy and Startups Sub-sector in partnership with MUIAA Ltd, a technology company specializing in blockchain, AI, and Otermans Institute of AI, seeks to equip learners, trainers, county staff, startups, and businesses with practical AI knowledge needed in the fast-changing digital economy.
While launching the AI Training Program, His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Njoroge Muchiri highlighted the growing role of technology and innovation in transforming education and skills development, noting that digital tools are now essential for modern learning. He emphasized the need to equip learners and trainers with practical digital skills and user-friendly systems that simplify learning, improve communication, enhance productivity, and remain simple and consistent to encourage adoption and efficiency.
“Technology has become a powerful tool in delivering solutions and creating possibilities for learning and development,” he said.
Mr. Muchiri also encouraged learners and developers to embrace modern digital tools and continuous learning, noting that technology has made it easier to create solutions and develop systems more efficiently. He urged participants to balance broad knowledge with specialized expertise in their chosen fields.
County Executive for the Innovation and Digital Economy Sector, Mike Gumo, noted that the sector has reached a key milestone with the launch of Nairobi County’s AI framework and graduation of the first cohort of AI trainers. He said that under H.E. Governor Sakaja’s directive to digitize Nairobi, the goal goes beyond automation to the real transformation of Government and the economy and that this mandate is now being implemented.
“AI does not operate in a vacuum, its effectiveness depends on strong infrastructure, connectivity, data systems, and computing power. That is why we are expanding free public Wi-Fi and fiber connectivity across sub-counties, markets, and public spaces to support universal digital access. At the same time, we are upgrading community digital hubs across the six boroughs and seventeen sub-counties into fully equipped innovation Centres for training, creativity, and applied AI development,” he stated.
Mr. Gumo added that partnerships with MUIAA Ltd and the Otermans Institute of AI have introduced globally competitive AI training platforms tailored to Nairobi’s socio-economic needs, enabling the county to develop a practical, forward-looking curriculum. He said the 14 graduating AI trainers will now lead internal staff upskilling to improve efficiency and service delivery, while also spearheading community digital literacy programmes to help residents participate in the digital economy.
County Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Startups, Wilson Gakuya, described the launch as a major milestone in Nairobi County’s digital transformation agenda. He said the county is intentionally positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation, emerging technologies, and digital talent adding that the partnership with MUIAA Ltd and Otermans Institute of AI will help bring global AI expertise and standards into the local innovation ecosystem.
“Nairobi is no longer merely consuming technology but it is now shaping, building, and leading technology” said Mr. Gakuya.
The Chief Officer emphasized that AI training will help modernize Government operations by automating routine processes, improving efficiency, strengthening planning and decision-making, and supporting smarter urban management. He noted that AI literacy will reduce administrative bottlenecks, bridge the gap between traditional bureaucracy and a modern responsive public service, and accelerate service delivery to residents and businesses.
According to Mr. Gakuya, the initiative aims to ensure that youth, women, startups, MSMEs, marginalized communities, and informal settlement residents are included in the county’s digital transformation. He added that the County Government plans to gradually open non-sensitive anonymized data systems to support innovators, developers, and researchers in creating localized AI solutions for Nairobi’s challenges while positioning the city as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
County Director for Digital Economy and Startups, Elizabeth Ndungu, said the sector’s vision is to position Nairobi as a global Centre for innovation and technology. She noted that the county currently operates innovation hubs at City Hall Headquarters and Jericho Innovation Hub, where startups, developers, and innovators are supported through training programmes, partnerships, and mentorship.
Ms. Ndungu further revealed plans to establish innovation hubs across all 17 sub-counties and expand ICT training and e-learning programmes to equip more young people with practical digital skills and opportunities. She also encouraged young innovators to remain focused and persistent, citing the growth of MUIAA Ltd from a startup launched in 2023 to a company now working closely with the County Government.
Representatives from MUIAA Ltd led by John Muthee and Antonio Obwaya, with their CEO Osborn joining online, and Otermans Institute of AI representative Krizia Silvestri presented an overview of the programme, outlining how the partnership will help make digital education and AI training more accessible to young people and innovators. MUIAA Ltd also donated ICT accessories and connectivity equipment to support the initiative.
In attendance was Director ICT Infrastructure and Information Security, Truphena Ogonda, Director Vocational Training Centres Rhoda Otieno, Deputy Director, Vocational Training, Leonard Mititi, Performance Management Directorate led by Director, Festus Macharia Susan Rotich MUIAA Ltd, Pavin Too, Otermans Institute, County Officers from Markets and Trade, Social Services, Smart Nairobi, Human Resource and trainees from Skills chain among others.
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