Kenya Scales Up AI Training with First UNESCO–Oxford Graduation and Second Cohort Launch

A total of 1,239 public servants have graduated from the first cohort of the UNESCO–Oxford Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation in Government, marking an important milestone in Kenya's efforts to strengthen public sector capacities for digital policymaking and ethical AI governance.

The graduation ceremony, held on 8 October 2026 at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), coincided with the launch of the institution's e-Learning and Information Technology Institute (eLITI), signaling a further step in expanding digital learning and professional development for public servants.

UNESCO KENYA 2026

Developed by UNESCO and the University of Oxford and delivered in collaboration with KSG, the course attracted 2,730 learners in its first cohort. Covering topics such as AI ethics, human-centred digital transformation, and data governance, the course equips public servants with knowledge and competencies needed to strengthen digital policymaking and govern technological change effectively.

The course is implemented under Digital Platforms Kenya (DigiKen), a UN Joint SDG Fund programme funded by the European Union and led by UNESCO in partnership with UNCDF, UNEP and UN Women. It contributes to efforts to strengthen public sector digital competencies and support the growth of an inclusive digital economy.

“Investing in digital skills is essential to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. By equipping public servants with AI and Digital Governance skills, Kenya is not only strengthening its public institutions, but also setting a regional benchmark for ethical, inclusive and human centered technological processes. Our support to DigiKen, delivered through strong partnerships with UNESCO, Oxford and the Kenya School of Government, demonstrates how collaboration can expand opportunities for innovation and ensure that digital transformation contributes to inclusive and sustainable development,” said Andreas Peschke, European Union Ambassador to Kenya.

“Digital transformation is ultimately about people, institutions and values, not technology alone. Through DigiKen, we are strengthening the capacities of public servants to shape digital policies grounded in human rights, govern AI ethically and ensure that technological progress benefits everyone,” said Louise Haxthausen, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa.

Expanding AI and digital leadership training

Building on the achievements of the first cohort, UNESCO and the KSG launched the second cohort on 21 October 2026, aiming to equip an additional 9,000 public servants at national and county levels with AI and digital leadership skills. The second cohort has already recorded 2,380 enrolments, marking further progress towards this target.

To accelerate enrolment and course completion, DigiKen is mobilizing its network of 15 Digital Innovation Hubs across 12 counties to work with county governments, coordinate awareness and outreach activities, and encourage public servants to participate in the programme.

These efforts will extend training opportunities to county-level public servants, contributing to DigiKen's broader target of strengthening the digital and AI competencies of 20,000 public servants by 2027.

Institutionalizing Digital Competencies within Kenya's public service

At the DigiKen Joint Programme Steering Committee meeting on 15 September 2026, Government and United Nations partners reaffirmed their commitment to embedding AI and digital transformation competencies within Kenya's public service training system.

During the meeting, Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, committed to facilitating collaboration with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and KSG to integrate these competencies into leadership development, induction, talent management and Continuous Professional Development frameworks.

Strengthening national digital learning infrastructure

The newly launched eLITI will expand KSG's capacity to deliver digital and blended learning, research and advisory services, thereby increasing access to continuous professional development opportunities for public servants across the country. 

“Digital transformation must improve how government serves citizens and businesses alike. While infrastructure is essential, we must also invest in the skills of public servants to deliver services that are more accessible, timely, equitable and responsive to people's needs,” said Elizabeth Birgen, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, who represented Eng. John Tanui at the launch.

“The graduation of our first cohort and the launch of eLITI mark important milestones in expanding digital learning across Kenya. Through flexible learning opportunities, we are enabling public servants to acquire relevant skills regardless of their location,” said Prof. Nura Mohamed, Director General of KSG.