Kenya Launches AI for Disability Project with Huawei and Local Partners to Advance Inclusive Digital Transformation

The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy officially launched the Kenya AI for Disability Project during the Connected Africa Summit 2026 in Nairobi. This project is designed to bridge the digital divide for hundreds of citizens with disability. Announced during the closing ceremony of the connected Africa Summit 2026, it is in collaboration with Kenya Institute for Special Education (KISE), Qhala, Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust, InABLE, and Huawei, and will develop AI-driven hardware and software solutions.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive digital transformation by leveraging Artificial Intelligence to empower persons with disabilities across Kenya and the wider African region.

This multi-stakeholder collaboration brings together policy makers, disability experts, innovation leaders and global technology partners to use AI and other technologies to build scalable, relevant local solutions that will solve real, lived challenges that hold the disabled back from learning, working and achieving their full potential. As Mary Kerema who leads on AI and Emerging Technologies in the Government eloquently said during the announcement: “Together, we are not merely identifying barriers we are co-creating practical, scalable hardware and software solutions that expand access, restore dignity, and unlock opportunity.”

Dr. Norman Kiogora, Director of KISE, emphasized that technology is a lifeline for the disability community. “To most people, technology makes things easy; but for persons with disabilities, it makes things possible,” he noted. Dr. Kiogora highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. He reiterated that having a global tech leader like Huawei involved is a “game changer” that will accelerate the development of AI-driven assistive tools and inclusive education.

Adam Lane, Huawei Kenya’s Director for Policy and Partnerships, highlighted the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in driving accessibility. “The advent of AI has made it significantly more cost-effective to develop hardware and software that is responsive to the unique needs of persons with disabilities,” Lane explained. “Through this project, we are leveraging AI to empower persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers, by helping develop tech solutions using AI. This would go a long way in enabling them to secure employment and thrive in society.”

On the other hand, Qhala CEO Dr. Shikoh Gitau emphasized that: “this initiative is about resolving a long-standing challenge, that for too long, inclusion has been an afterthought in technology design; this project changes that narrative”. She continued that: "By uniting government, global tech leaders, and disability experts, we are building an ecosystem where AI works for everyone from the outset. As Africa strides toward a digital future, we have a collective duty to ensure that the future leaves no one behind.

Bernard Chiira, Founder and CEO of AT4D emphasized that “technology, if designed for inclusion can be the greatest equalizer. Building upon the AI for Special Needs Innovation Challenge in 2024, AT4D is proud to be part of this public private partnership to advance AI and assistive technology innovation for a more equitable Kenya”.

Stakeholders representing 12 African countries were present at the launch, during the Closing Ceremony of the Connected Africa Summit, highlighting a growing continental commitment to ensuring that Artificial Intelligence is accessible, inclusive, and capable of unlocking opportunities for all particularly persons with disabilities.

At the launch were the students who participated in the AI for Disability Hackathon in 2024. They were commended for their creativity and dedication to solving real-world challenges through technology. Continued support will be provided to help refine and scale these innovations into impactful, real-world solutions.

The Kenya AI for Disability Project underscores a shared vision of leaving no one behind in the digital era. The initiative will focus on enhancing digital skills, supporting innovation ecosystems, and enabling meaningful participation in the digital economy for underserved communities.

The project will serve as an incubator to scale the student led innovations into sustainable market ready solutions. Ultimately, this launch underscores a collective partner commitment to ensuring that Africa’s digital transformation is a blue print for inclusive innovation and a more equitable digital future.

Through sustained collaboration between government, private sector, and development partners, the initiative sets a strong foundation for inclusive innovation and a more equitable digital future across Africa.