By Editor
Konza Technopolis, in collaboration with Microsoft, has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) skills programme targeting women, in a move aimed at accelerating female leadership in Kenya’s digital and creative economy.
The initiative was launched 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 summit brought together over 200 participants from the technology, creative, academic, government and non-government sectors.
Organised under Konza’s Silicon Savannah Woman programme, the event was convened in partnership with EdSource through its Innovate Her initiative, with support from Microsoft and the International Labour Organization.
Chief guest, ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy Secretary Mary Kerema, called on stakeholders to prioritise inclusivity in the country’s digital transformation. She emphasised that the success of the digital economy will depend not only on technological advancement but also on deliberate efforts to include women and youth in leadership and innovation.
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of Microsoft’s AI Skills 4 Women Programme, a free online training platform designed to equip women with practical competencies in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and responsible AI use. The programme also incorporates mentorship and leadership development to support career progression in the tech sector.
Microsoft National AI Skills Director Winnie Karanu said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to inclusive innovation as AI continues to reshape industries. She noted that the future of the global economy will increasingly rely on technology and ethical leadership.
The launch comes at a time when Kenya is rapidly advancing its digital transformation agenda, with demand for AI-related expertise rising across multiple sectors. Participants at the summit stressed the importance of ensuring women are not left behind, noting that inclusive participation is essential for sustainable growth and innovation.
Discussions at the summit covered a wide range of issues shaping the digital and creative economy, including gender-responsive AI strategies, inclusive smart cities under the ‘Her City’ concept, development of an AI talent pipeline, digital rights and online safety, financing for women-led enterprises, and innovation within the creative sector.
Participants also endorsed the TEC Summit Declaration, a multi-stakeholder framework outlining ten priority actions to boost women’s participation and leadership in the digital economy. These include expanding access to digital opportunities, strengthening inclusive skills development, increasing financing for women-led ventures, promoting gender-responsive policies, improving data systems, fostering safe digital spaces, and enhancing collaboration across sectors.
Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri reiterated the importance of inclusion as a core pillar of Kenya’s digital future, stating that women must not only participate in the AI revolution but also take on leadership roles.
He added that Konza Technopolis has already surpassed the constitutional two-thirds gender rule, with women holding significant positions in both its board and senior management, and urged other institutions to adopt similar inclusive practices.
The summit was held in collaboration with key partners, including the Kenya Film Commission and the National Gender and Equality Commission, reflecting strong cross-sector commitment to advancing gender-inclusive digital transformation in Kenya and beyond.
