Kenya is among four African countries set to receive Ksh904 million in funding from tech giant Google.
The funding package is designed to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) education and research throughout the continent.
Google announced that the funds will support training and research in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana as part of its broader efforts to expand digital skills and drive innovation in Africa.
The Ksh 904 million allocation is part of a larger $37 million (approximately Ksh 4.8 billion) initiative to support AI development across the continent.
It aims to equip Kenyan students, institutions, and innovators with the knowledge and tools needed to participate in—and shape—the continent’s AI future.
The funds will support academic institutions and nonprofit organisations in developing localised AI curricula, training programs on online safety, and essential cybersecurity education.
Google Announces Ksh.904M Funding for AI education in Kenya and 3 Others
Kenya’s AI ecosystem has been steadily growing, with Nairobi emerging as a regional tech hub.
The new funding is expected to turbocharge local research efforts while opening doors for Kenyan students to gain critical skills in areas such as data science, AI development, and cybersecurity.
In addition to educational support, Google is backing a range of AI initiatives across the continent.
These include a $25 million (Ksh 3.2 billion) grant aimed at food security solutions, a $3 million (Ksh 388 million) funding injection to the Masakhane Research Foundation.
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The foundation promotes AI in more than 40 African languages—and the launch of Africa’s first AI Community Centre in Accra, Ghana.
The centre is a first-of-its-kind space for AI learning, experimentation, and collaboration in Africa. It will host training sessions, community events, and workshops focused on responsible AI development.
Google Anchors AI Strategy in Africa on Four Key Pillars
According to Google, its programming will be anchored on four pillars: AI literacy, community technology, social impact, and arts and culture.
These will provide a platform for developers, students, and creators to engage with AI in ways grounded in African priorities.
Speaking about the announcements, James Manyika, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology & Society at Google, said Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today.
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Manyika said Google was committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter.
He added that the funding package included funding and partnerships aimed at strengthening AI research, supporting African languages, improving food systems, expanding digital skills, and building research capacity.
On his part Yossi Matias, Vice President of Engineering and Research at Google, said this new wave of support reflects the company’s belief in the talent, creativity, and ingenuity across the continent.
“By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact,’ he said.
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