Konza partners with Microsoft for AI skills programme targeting women

The summit, held under the theme “Accelerating Women’s Participation and Leadership in Kenya’s Digital and Creative Future,” brought together more than 200 participants from the technology, creative, academic, government and non-government sectors.

Convened under Konza’s Silicon Savannah Woman programme, the event was hosted in partnership with EdSource through its Innovate Her initiative, with sponsorship from Microsoft and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

ICT Secretary Mary Kerema urged stakeholders to centre inclusion in Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.

“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 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 skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and responsible AI use.

The programme also offers mentorship and leadership development to support women’s career advancement in technology.

Microsoft National AI Skills Director Winnie Karanu said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to inclusive innovation as AI reshapes every sector of the economy.

“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 launch comes as Kenya accelerates its digital transformation, with demand for AI-related skills rising across industries.

Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri said inclusion must be a non-negotiable pillar of Kenya’s digital future. “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 noted that Konza Technopolis has met and exceeded the constitutional two-thirds gender rule, with women holding significant positions across its board and senior management and challenged other institutions to follow suit.