NAIROBI, Kenya — Konza Technopolis has partnered with Microsoft to launch a new artificial intelligence skills programme targeting women, in a move aimed at accelerating female leadership in Kenya’s digital and creative economy.
The initiative was unveiled during the inaugural Thrive, Elevate & Celebrate (TEC) Women Summit 2026, held under the theme “Accelerating Women’s Participation and Leadership in Kenya’s Digital and Creative Future.” The event brought together more than 200 participants drawn from technology, creative industries, academia, government and non-government organisations.
Convened under Konza’s Silicon Savannah Woman programme, the summit was hosted in partnership with EdSource through its Innovate Her initiative, with sponsorship from Microsoft and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Organisers said the forum focused on closing gender gaps in emerging technologies and strengthening women’s participation in Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
ICT Secretary Mary Kerema urged stakeholders to prioritise inclusion as Kenya expands its digital transformation agenda, warning that technological progress without equity risks widening social and economic disparities.
“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. Women must be at the centre of designing, leading and transforming that future, not on the margins,” she said.
A key highlight of the summit was Microsoft’s official launch of the AI Skills 4 Women Programme, a free online training initiative designed to equip women with practical competencies in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and responsible AI use.
The programme also includes mentorship opportunities and leadership development support aimed at helping women transition into technology-focused careers and leadership roles.
Microsoft National AI Skills Director Winnie Karanu said the initiative reflects growing demand for AI capabilities across sectors and the need to ensure women are not left behind as industries digitise.
“Every company is becoming a tech company. Every industry will rely on AI. History will be written by our actions and our ethics because the future is in our hands,” she said.
The programme comes as Kenya increases investments in digital infrastructure, innovation hubs and skills development to position itself as a regional technology leader. Government policy frameworks, including the Digital Economy Blueprint and Konza Technopolis development agenda, emphasise talent development and inclusive participation as key pillars of growth.
Konza Technopolis Chief Executive Officer John Paul Okwiri said inclusion must remain a core principle in building Kenya’s digital future, noting that gender equity strengthens innovation outcomes and economic competitiveness.
“Women must not only participate in the AI revolution—they must lead it. At Konza, we are intentionally building an ecosystem where women have equal access to opportunities, leadership and innovation in shaping Africa’s Silicon Savannah,” he said.
Okwiri added that Konza Technopolis has met and exceeded the constitutional two-thirds gender rule, with women holding significant positions across its board and senior management. He challenged both public and private institutions to adopt similar approaches to ensure equitable representation in leadership and decision-making.
Stakeholders at the summit also emphasised the importance of partnerships between government, academia and industry to expand access to digital skills, particularly for young women entering the workforce.
Participants noted that targeted training, mentorship and funding opportunities remain critical to addressing structural barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in STEM fields.
