Learn without boundaries
A grassroots AI education program for students, business owners, educators, and local communities.
About AI Mashinani
AI Mashinani was founded in 2023 with a simple yet powerful mission: to democratize AI education and empower African communities with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
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 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.
Meet Our Team
The passionate individuals behind AI Mashinani who are dedicated to democratizing AI education across Africa.
Fiona Gatere
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.
Structured AI Learning – From Beginner to Pro
Our curriculum is designed to take you from the basics to advanced AI applications with a focus on practical, locally relevant skills.
Level 1
- Understanding AI fundamentals and capabilities
- Mastering prompt engineering techniques
- Ethical considerations in AI applications
Level 2
- Working with popular AI platforms and tools
- Building practical solutions for local challenges
- Data collection and management strategies
Level 3
- Developing end-to-end AI solutions
- Deploying and scaling AI applications
- Building sustainable AI businesses
Try AI Tools
Experience the power of AI firsthand with our interactive API testing tool. Enter your text and see how different AI models respond.
Upcoming Events
Join us for workshops, webinars, and community gatherings to learn and connect with others.
AI for Local Business Workshop
Learn how to leverage AI tools to grow your local business. This hands-on workshop will cover practical applications of AI for small businesses.
AI Mashinani Hackathon
A 3-day hackathon focused on developing AI solutions for local challenges. Open to students and professionals with prizes for the top projects.
AI Ethics Panel Discussion
Join our panel of experts as they discuss ethical considerations in AI development and deployment in African contexts.
Our Projects
Explore the real-world AI solutions developed by our students and community members.
AgriSense AI
An AI-powered mobile app that helps farmers identify plant diseases and receive treatment recommendations using just a smartphone camera.
LocalLingo Translator
A machine learning model that translates between English and local African languages, helping preserve linguistic heritage and improve communication.
MediAssist Bot
A healthcare chatbot that provides basic medical information and triage in areas with limited access to healthcare professionals.
Why AI Mashinani
Our approach is designed to make AI education accessible, relevant, and impactful for African communities.
Our curriculum addresses local challenges while building skills that are valued worldwide.
Learn by doing with projects that solve real problems in your community.
Track your learning journey with our integrated learning management system and interactive quizzes.
Latest from Our Blog
Insights, stories, and updates from the AI Mashinani community.
How grassroots AI education initiatives are transforming communities across the continent and creating new opportunities.
Practical strategies for developing effective AI applications in resource-constrained environments using accessible tools.
How one of our students used the skills learned at AI Mashinani to launch a successful AI startup addressing local healthcare challenges.
Voices from Our Community
Hear from the students, educators, and community leaders who are part of the AI Mashinani journey.
"AI Mashinani has transformed how I think about technology. I'm now building solutions for my community that I never thought possible."
Sarah
Student – Nairobi County
"As an educator, I've seen how AI Mashinani's curriculum engages students and builds practical skills that are immediately applicable."
James
Teacher – Mombasa County
"The program has brought new opportunities to our youth. They're solving local problems with global technologies."
Grace
Community Leader – Kisumu County
Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of the AI Mashinani movement. Find the role that's right for you.
Access our curriculum, join a cohort, and start your AI journey with personalized support.
Help teach AI skills to communities across Africa and make a lasting impact on the future.
Provide financial or material support to help us reach more communities and expand our impact.
The Future Is Local — Be Part of It
Join the movement to democratize AI education and build solutions that matter for African communities.