The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has opened applications for Kenyan institutions to help deliver a nationwide artificial intelligence and digital transformation training programme for public servants.
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has opened applications for Kenyan institutions to help deliver a nationwide artificial...
- The initiative, launched under UNESCO’s DigiKen Programme, aims to strengthen digital skills across Kenya’s public sector and train up to...
- The course will also align with Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan 2022 to 2032 and UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics...
- UNESCO stated that participant engagement will form a major part of the assignment.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI training — everything you need to know is covered below.
The initiative, launched under UNESCO’s DigiKen Programme, aims to strengthen digital skills across Kenya’s public sector and train up to 9,000 civil servants by August 2026. Applications close on 10 June 2026.
The programme will support the rollout of the UNESCO and Oxford University Massive Open Online Course on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation. Selected organisations will help adapt the course to Kenya’s governance structure while coordinating participant recruitment and hybrid learning activities across the country.
Expanding AI Skills in Government
UNESCO said the training will focus on ethical artificial intelligence, public sector innovation, digital governance, service delivery, and data governance. The course will also align with Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan 2022 to 2032 and UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
The agency is seeking Kenyan organisations with experience in digital skills training, public sector development, and collaboration with government ministries and agencies.
The successful institution will modularise the existing UNESCO Oxford course into flexible learning pathways and introduce local public sector case studies. Training materials will also be adapted to reflect Kenya’s governance realities and digital priorities.
Nationwide Hybrid Learning Rollout
The programme will combine online and physical learning activities across several counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa, Kilifi, Busia, Mandera, Nyeri, Isiolo, Kajiado, Tana River, and West Pokot.
UNESCO stated that participant engagement will form a major part of the assignment. The implementing institution will oversee learner onboarding, technical support, peer learning groups, and follow-up systems to improve course completion rates.
The organisation selected for the project will also maintain participation records covering institutional affiliation, ministry representation, and gender based data for monitoring purposes.
Special attention will be given to gender inclusion, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and equal participation across government institutions.
Building Long-Term Digital Capacity
The project includes a virtual Training of Trainers programme aimed at helping Kenya develop long-term local expertise in AI and digital governance training.
UNESCO noted that governments worldwide are rapidly adopting digital technologies, increasing the need for civil servants who understand ethical and inclusive technology deployment.
The selected organisation will also handle communication activities, such as impact storytelling, participant testimonials, videos, blogs, and social media content, in accordance with UNESCO branding guidelines.
At the end of the programme, the institution must submit narrative and financial reports, participation statistics, lessons learned, and recommendations for future expansion.
The DigiKen Programme forms part of UNESCO’s wider effort to strengthen inclusive digital transformation and improve access to digital opportunities for women, young people, and underserved communities in Kenya.
For more information and how to apply, visit the UNESCO official website.