Written by Alice Njoki.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing education around the world, and Kenya is also experiencing this change. AI tools like ChatGPT, SOMANASI, Grammarly, and others are making learning easier, more fun, and available at any time. These tools help students with writing, solving math problems, asking questions, and learning new skills. AI can improve education for all children in Kenya, including those in remote areas and those with disabilities.
However, there are challenges that must be solved to make AI work well for everyone.
AI-powered tools help children learn in new ways. For example, ChatGPT acts like a virtual teacher, giving students simple explanations and helping them learn at their own speed. SOMANASI is a special AI tool made for Kenyan children, following the local school curriculum. These tools give students instant feedback and allow them to explore different subjects. AI also helps children with disabilities. For example, text-to-speech technology helps visually impaired children listen to books, and speech-to-text tools help hearing-impaired students follow classroom lessons.
For children in remote areas, AI can be a game-changer. Some villages do not have enough teachers, books, or schools, but AI tools like SOMANASI can provide quality lessons through mobile phones. Some schools use solar-powered computers and offline AI apps to help students even when there is no internet or electricity. This helps bridge the gap between urban and rural education.
However, AI in education also has problems. One challenge is that AI does not always provide correct answers. Some children prefer Google because AI tools like ChatGPT sometimes make mistakes. AI tools need to improve so that students get the right information. Another issue is data privacy. AI tools collect a lot of student data, and it is important to protect this information. Schools must follow Kenya’s Data Protection Act 2019 to keep students’ data safe.
Another big challenge is the difference between urban and rural schools. Schools in cities have better access to AI tools because they have electricity, computers, and the internet. Many rural schools do not have these resources, making it harder for children in villages to benefit from AI. To fix this, Kenya needs to provide affordable devices, internet access, and teacher training so that all students can use AI for learning.
AI can transform education in Kenya by making it more accessible and fair for all children. But to achieve this, we must solve problems like poor infrastructure, data privacy, and incorrect information from AI. Kenya must invest in technology and build trust in AI to give every child the best learning opportunities.
Technology is becoming a big part of our daily lives. In the next five years, AI will play an even bigger role in education and jobs. It is important to prepare children for this future. Many teachers do not yet understand AI, so they cannot teach it in class. If children learn how to use AI, they will be ready for a world where technology is everywhere. Kenya must take action now to make sure its children are not left behind.