Teachers, Learners and Policymakers Debate Next Phase of ICT in Education

By Aoma Keziah,

The National EdTech Summit 2025 opened in Nairobi, bringing together Policymakers, educators, innovators, learners and development partners to chart Kenya’s next phase of education transformation. The summit builds on regional summits that convened more than 400 stakeholders across the country earlier this year, examining the implementation of the ICT in Education and Training Policy 2021.

The two-day forum will focus on translating policy into practice, with discussions  centred on four priorities: supporting teachers to adapt and create EdTech tools, embedding research and evidence into decision-making, ensuring equitable access to digital learning, and safeguarding learner well-being and data security. A central feature of this year’s summit is the debate on Artificial Intelligence in education, following the launch of Kenya’s AI Strategy 2025–2030.

Mr. Stephen Barongo, Representing Ambassador Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, said that this gathering is a testament to the shared belief that technology is not just an add-on but a core pillar of a progressive, equitable and efficient education system.

“Our vision is to build a robust, resilient and responsive education system that empowers every learner to thrive in the 21^st century, guided by data, innovation and collaboration across the ecosystem,” he stated.

Jennifer Otieno, Chief Executive Officer, EdTech East Africa, noted that the  National EdTech Summit is about turning vision into action.

“Evidence must guide us, not only in the form of research reports but in the lived experiences of teachers, learners, parents and innovators. By listening to these voices and working together across government, schools and communities, we can move beyond institutional silos to concrete solutions that strengthen infrastructure, improve policy and expand opportunity. This summit is not the end of the conversation but a catalyst for continuous collaboration to ensure Kenya’s education system is inclusive, innovative and future-ready,” she explained.

Kenya has made significant strides in expanding digital readiness. As of 2023, 82% of public primary schools were connected to electricity through the national grid and a further 14% through solar energy. By 2022, more than 22,800 public primary schools had been equipped with over 1.17 million digital devices, though only 216 schools had reliable internet connectivity.

The stakes are high. More than 2.26 million learners were affected by climate-related disruptions during the 2024 floods, highlighting the urgency of resilient education Inclusive Education Resource Centres to support all learners. The 2021 ICT in Education and Training Policy also emphasizes digital safety, with strategies such as vetting digital content to protect teachers and learners online.

The programme includes an AI in Education Co-Design Workshop facilitated by EdTech experts and Ministry of Education officials, as well as a youth-led town digital debating whether AI in education is a promise or a threat. These sessions will examine opportunities to use AI to address teacher shortages and personalize learning, while  also considering concerns around fairness, ethics, accountability and transparency.