Kenya and Intel Partner to Expand AI Literacy Through Public Libraries

Kenya has partnered with Intel Corporation to expand artificial intelligence (AI) literacy through the country’s public library network under the AI for Citizens programme.

The partnership was signed on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York by Kenya’s State Department of ICT and Digital Economy. The initiative will be implemented through the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS)  and the Mandela AI Hub Foundation. 

The programme aims to extend AI literacy beyond traditional classroom settings by using public libraries to provide young people, communities and lifelong learners with accessible opportunities to understand and responsibly use emerging technologies.

Through the partnership, foundational AI literacy will be integrated into Kenya’s public learning infrastructure, helping expand access to knowledge and skills required to participate in the digital economy.

John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, said the partnership supports Kenya’s ambition of building an AI-ready society where digital skills and emerging technologies can create opportunities, encourage innovation and promote inclusive economic participation.

The initiative brings together government institutions, a global technology company and local innovation organisations to expand access to AI knowledge and skills among citizens across Kenya.