Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Honourable Julius Migos Ogamba, recently received COL’s Education Specialist for Teacher Education, Dr Betty Ogange and COL Focal Point for Kenya, Darius Mogaka, on a courtesy call. The potential for strengthening collaboration in open and distance learning, digital innovation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education were discussed.
During the meeting, Dr Ogange highlighted COL’s ongoing initiatives in Kenya, including support for the National Qualifications Framework for Micro-Credentials, as well as capacity building in blended learning among TVET institutions. She also discussed COL’s Teacher-in-the-Loop AI, a proof-of-concept project that places teachers at the centre of integrating generative AI in classrooms. The model seeks to build the capacity of educators to understand AI, explore its potential for teaching and assessment, and co-create curriculum-relevant educational content.
The Cabinet Secretary welcomed COL’s efforts and underscored the need for clear policies and sector-specific guidelines to avoid Kenya being “just consumers” of AI and other technologies developed elsewhere. He cautioned that without coherent coordination, donor-supported programmes risk duplication, limited participation by government, and reduced national ownership.
“Teachers must know what AI is today, not only as consumers but as creators of solutions that serve their classrooms,” the Cabinet Secretary noted, stressing that Kenya must safeguard its children and education system while embracing innovation.
Dr Ogange acknowledged the importance of policy alignment, observing that practical guidelines tailored to education could ensure both safety and innovation. She emphasised COL’s readiness to work with the Ministry, teacher education institutions, and other stakeholders to advance AI adoption responsibly.
During this mission, Dr Ogange also held discussions with the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, and briefed her on the COL-supported National Qualifications Framework for Micro-Credentials. The Director of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), Dr Alice Kande, who was also present, noted that the technical team constituted by the Minister on micro-credentials had begun their work.
In addition to the high-level engagements at the Ministry of Education to strengthen collaboration on digital learning, Dr Ogange held stakeholder consultative meetings at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and the KNQA.
