About AI Mashinani
Empowering African communities with AI skills and technology to solve local challenges and build a better future.
Our Story
AI Mashinani began with a simple observation: while artificial intelligence was transforming industries globally, access to AI education remained limited in many African communities.
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Sarah Odhiambo, a computer scientist with a passion for education, AI Mashinani set out to bridge this gap by creating accessible, practical AI training programs designed specifically for African contexts and challenges.
Our name, "Mashinani," means "grassroots" in Swahili, reflecting our commitment to bringing advanced technology education to the community level, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their background or resources.
Today, we operate in multiple counties across Kenya, with plans to expand throughout East Africa. Our programs have empowered over 1,000 students, educators, and entrepreneurs with practical AI skills that are making a real difference in their communities.
Our Mission
To democratize AI education and empower African communities with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to harness artificial intelligence for local challenges and opportunities.
We believe that by making AI education accessible at the grassroots level, we can foster innovation, create economic opportunities, and build technological self-reliance across the continent.
Our Vision
A future where African communities are at the forefront of AI innovation, developing and deploying solutions that address local challenges while contributing to the global technology landscape.
We envision a network of AI-empowered communities across Africa, where technology serves as a tool for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life.
Our Values
These core principles guide everything we do at AI Mashinani.
Community-Centered
We believe in building solutions with communities, not just for them. Every program we develop starts with understanding local needs.
Accessible Learning
We're committed to making AI education available to everyone, regardless of their background, resources, or prior experience.
Practical Innovation
We focus on practical applications of AI that solve real problems and create tangible value for individuals and communities.
Sustainable Impact
We build programs that create lasting change, empowering communities to continue innovating long after our direct involvement.
Our Impact
Since our founding, we've been working to create meaningful change through AI education and community empowerment.
1,000+
Students Trained
12
Counties Reached
50+
Community Projects
25
Partner Organizations
Educational Impact
Our educational programs have reached over 1,000 students across Kenya, with 70% of graduates reporting improved career opportunities and technical skills.
- 85% program completion rate
- 40% of students are women and girls
- 30+ schools incorporated our AI curriculum
Our Journey
The key milestones that have shaped AI Mashinani's growth and impact.
Foundation
AI Mashinani was founded with a vision to democratize AI education across Africa.
First Cohort
Launched our first training program with 50 students in Nairobi.
Expansion
Expanded to three additional counties and launched our virtual learning platform.
Industry Partnerships
Established partnerships with leading tech companies to provide internship opportunities.
Research Initiative
Launched the AI for Africa research initiative to develop locally relevant AI solutions.
Regional Expansion
Began operations in neighboring East African countries.
Meet Our Team
The passionate individuals behind AI Mashinani who are dedicated to democratizing AI education across Africa.
Dr. Sarah Odhiambo
Founder & Executive Director
With over 15 years in AI research and education, Sarah founded AI Mashinani to bring cutting-edge technology education to grassroots communities across Africa.
James Mwangi
Head of Curriculum
James develops our structured learning paths and ensures our educational content is both locally relevant and globally competitive.
Grace Akinyi
Community Engagement Lead
Grace builds partnerships with local communities, businesses, and educational institutions to expand AI Mashinani's reach and impact.
Michael Kimani
Technical Director
Michael oversees the technical aspects of our programs, from infrastructure to ensuring students have access to the tools they need to succeed.
Elizabeth Njeri
Operations Manager
Elizabeth ensures the smooth running of all AI Mashinani programs and initiatives, coordinating resources and logistics across multiple locations.
Daniel Omondi
AI Research Lead
Daniel leads our research initiatives, exploring new applications of AI technology that address unique challenges in African contexts.
Faith Wambui
Education Partnerships Coordinator
Faith works with schools, universities, and educational institutions to integrate AI education into existing curricula and programs.
Our Partners
We collaborate with organizations that share our vision of democratizing AI education and technology across Africa.
Interested in partnering with AI Mashinani? We're always looking for organizations that share our vision.
Join the AI Mashinani Movement
Be part of our mission to democratize AI education and empower communities across Africa.