Konza Technopolis has partnered with Microsoft to roll out a new artificial intelligence (AI) training initiative targeting women, in a move aimed at strengthening gender inclusion in Kenya’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
The programme was unveiled during the inaugural Thrive, Elevate & Celebrate (TEC) Women Summit 2026, which convened more than 200 stakeholders from the technology, creative, academic, government, and non-government sectors.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Women’s Participation and Leadership in Kenya’s Digital and Creative Future,” the summit underscored the growing urgency to close gender gaps in emerging tech fields.
Expanding Access to AI Skills
A key highlight of the event was the launch of Microsoft’s AI Skills 4 Women Programme, a free online training platform designed to equip women with practical capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and responsible AI use.
Beyond technical training, the initiative integrates mentorship and leadership development, positioning participants to transition into higher-value roles within the digital economy.
According to Winnie Karanu, the programme reflects a broader shift as AI becomes foundational across industries.
“Every company is becoming a tech company. Every industry will rely on AI… the future is in our hands,” she said, emphasizing the importance of ethical and inclusive innovation.
Policy Push for Inclusive Digital Growth
Mary Kerema called on stakeholders to embed inclusion at the core of Kenya’s digital transformation strategy, noting that connectivity alone is insufficient without equitable participation.
“The future of our digital economy will not be defined by how fast we connect systems, but by how deliberately we include women and youth,” she said.
Her remarks align with Kenya’s broader policy direction, which prioritizes digital skills development and innovation-driven growth as pillars of economic transformation.
Building Africa’s Silicon Savannah
The summit was convened under Konza’s Silicon Savannah Woman programme and hosted in partnership with EdSource through its Innovate Her initiative, with support from the International Labour Organization.
Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri stressed that gender inclusion must be treated as a structural priority rather than a secondary consideration.
“Women must not only participate in the AI revolution they must lead it,” he said, adding that Konza is actively building an ecosystem that ensures equal access to innovation, leadership, and opportunity.
Okwiri also highlighted that the institution has already met and exceeded Kenya’s constitutional two-thirds gender rule, with women occupying key roles across its board and senior management.
Strategic Implications
The initiative comes amid rising demand for AI-related skills across sectors such as finance, healthcare, media, and logistics. By targeting women who remain underrepresented in STEM fields the programme seeks to expand the talent pipeline while addressing structural inequalities in the workforce.
Analysts note that such public-private collaborations could play a critical role in positioning Kenya as a regional leader in digital innovation, while ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
