by Kenya has officially launched the second phase of its China-backed youth coding program, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote digital literacy and develop future-ready skills.
The initiative, supported by Chinese online education platform CODEMAO in partnership with UNESCO, will run from 2025 to 2030 and aims to empower thousands of young Kenyans with advanced coding and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
The youth coding program’s first phase, which ran from 2022 to 2024, trained junior secondary school students and teachers in coding and AI. Participants received digital devices, hands-on training, and certificates of recognition.
Kenya, alongside Namibia and the Republic of the Congo, led the way in Africa, with teachers—45% of them women—becoming trainers who spread these vital skills within their communities.
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Second Phase: New Horizons for the Youth Coding Program
The newly launched second phase of the youth coding program is even more ambitious. Activities will include:
- Online training and mentorship to deepen coding and AI skills among students.
- National and international coding trainings for both teachers and students, ensuring broad and inclusive participation.
- Annual AI Day events to raise awareness about the importance of artificial intelligence and digital skills in Africa.
- China study tours provide students and teachers with the opportunity to visit Chinese tech hubs, engage with experts, and participate in international coding competitions.
- Exchange programmes between Africa and Asia promote South-South cooperation and the sharing of best practices.
Special emphasis will be placed on reaching girls, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, rural communities, and learners with disabilities. The youth coding program will also integrate artistic and cultural elements, making coding education both practical and creative.
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Government and Global Support for the Coding Program
At the launch event in Nairobi, Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Education, highlighted the country’s leadership.
“To prepare our youth for the jobs and challenges of tomorrow, we must invest in digital skills today. We support initiatives that foster innovation, digital literacy, and 21st-century competencies,” Bitok said.
UNESCO and CODEMAO reaffirmed their commitment, extending cooperation until 2030 and expanding the youth coding program to include more countries across Africa and Asia. The initiative aligns with the African Union’s 2024 theme of inclusion, integration, and innovation for sustainable development.
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Youth Coding Program: Transforming Futures
The youth coding program is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem for digital education. By equipping young people and teachers with coding and AI skills, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. The program’s focus on inclusion, gender equity, and cross-cultural exchange ensures that no one is left behind as the country moves toward a more connected and innovative future.
As the youth coding program enters its second phase, Kenya’s youth stand at the forefront of a digital revolution—ready to code, create, and lead.
