KENYA TO RECEIVE SH904 MILLION FROM GOOGLE FOR AI RESEARCH AND TRAINING

Kenya is set to benefit from a new Sh904 million investment from Google, aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) education, research, and innovation across Africa. This funding is part of a broader $37 million (Sh4.8 billion) initiative by Google to strengthen AI development in the continent, with Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana as key beneficiaries of the $7 million (Sh904 million) allocation. The funds will support academic institutions and nonprofit organizations in developing localized AI curricula, online safety training programs, and essential cybersecurity education. With Nairobi established as a regional tech hub, Kenya’s AI ecosystem is set to gain significant momentum, creating opportunities for students and researchers to build expertise in data science, AI development, and digital safety.

 Beyond education, Google is backing various AI projects across Africa, including a $25 million (Sh3.2 million) grant for AI driven food security solutions and Sh388 million ($3million) in funding for the Masakhane Research Foundation, which promotes AI development in over 40 African languages. Additionally, Google will open Africa’s first AI Community Centre in Accra, Ghana. The Ghana based facility will serve as a collaborative space for AI learning and innovation, hosting training sessions, workshops, and community events focused on responsible AI development.

James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology &Society, stated, “Africa is home to some of the most groundbreaking AI work today. We’re committed to fostering the next wave of innovation through sustained investment, local partnerships, and platforms that empower researchers and entrepreneurs to build impactful solutions.” Yossi Matias, Google’s Vice President of Engineering and Research, added, “This new funding reflects our confidence in Africa’s talent and creativity. By collaborating with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions rooted in Africa’s realties but designed for global impact.” This strategic investment underscores Google’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities across Africa while addressing critical challenges in education, cybersecurity, and food security.