This report provides a comprehensive overview of Kenya’s launch of the Africa AI Creators Academy, with its official launch on June 28, 2025, and weekly trainings beginning on June 30, 2025. This initiative, organized by POSH I.T and ArtsEnvoy.ai, aims to empower Kenyan artists, content creators, educators, and digital entrepreneurs with AI skills, focusing on a story-first approach. The analysis is grounded in recent news articles, the official program website, and an X post, ensuring a detailed understanding for stakeholders interested in Kenya’s AI and creative economy landscape.
Methodology
The information was gathered from various sources, including technology-focused news platforms, the official program website, and an X post, with a specific emphasis on updates dated around June 2025. The analysis includes details of the program’s launch, structure, target audience, and expected impact, ensuring a holistic view of this development.
Key Findings
Program Launch and Details
Kenya launched the Africa AI Creators Academy – Kenya Edition, with the official launch on June 28, 2025, and weekly trainings starting on June 30, 2025, running until July 28, 2025. This one-month immersive program is organized by POSH I.T in partnership with ArtsEnvoy.ai, as reported by Citizen Digital and Tech Moran. The program is virtual, 100% mobile-accessible, and costs 10,000 KES, with scholarships available for equitable access artsenvoy.ai/kenya.
The training schedule includes weekly Monday sessions from 5pm to 6pm EAT, designed to fit participants’ schedules. The curriculum is comprehensive, offering:
- Over 25 AI avatar-led video modules
- Downloadable guidebooks and study guides
- Access to more than 100 creative AI apps, including video generators, scriptwriters, music makers, and art creation platforms
- 5,000 AI credits per student, allowing for generating content like up to 666 AI images, 200 60-second videos, 500 avatars, and 142 AI spokesperson videos
- Weekly live virtual office hours with the ArtsEnvoy.ai team
- A certificate of completion upon finishing the program
Participants will benefit from mentorship by Lisa Russell, an Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of ArtsEnvoy.ai, along with a team of AI Teaching Artists, including Tobi Blaze, Wangari Mrembo, Awa Sarr, Gebre Zenawi, Aisha Okoye, and Zola Dlamini artsenvoy.ai/kenya.
Target Audience and Inclusivity
The academy is open to all, with no prior tech experience required, making it accessible to a broad audience. It targets emerging and professional creatives, such as filmmakers, designers, musicians, poets, content creators, and digital storytellers, as well as educational institutions and digital tech & youth employment programs artsenvoy.ai/kenya. The program is multi-country and multi-language, currently offered in English with French coming soon, ensuring wider reach. Its focus on inclusivity is evident through scholarships and mobile-accessible training, targeting low-income and rural participants.
Impact and Significance
Research suggests this initiative addresses a critical need in Kenya’s creative economy by integrating AI into storytelling and creative expression. It aims to democratize access to the AI economy, as noted by Tech Moran, which described it as part of a pan-African initiative to empower local talent for global influence. The program’s story-first approach is unique, shifting power from traditional creative economy gatekeepers and fostering entrepreneurship, as highlighted by quotes from the organizers.
Oscar Mwai, Founder of POSH I.T, stated, “This isn’t just a course. It’s a movement to unlock the creative and economic potential of AI for Kenyan youth. We’re proud to pilot it right here in Kenya where digital innovation meets storytelling” . Lisa Russell added, “As a filmmaker and AI artist myself, I’ve seen firsthand how creative AI can open doors—not just to technology, but to self-expression, entrepreneurship, and impact. This is about building local talent for global influence” (ibid).
The academy aligns with Kenya’s broader AI strategy, launched in March 2025, aiming to position the country as a leader in AI innovation . By focusing on creators and educators, it contributes to a more inclusive digital economy, potentially addressing challenges like youth unemployment and rural accessibility.
Comparative Analysis
To organize the key details, the following table summarizes the program’s structure and impact:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Africa AI Creators Academy – Kenya Edition |
| Organizers | POSH I.T, ArtsEnvoy.ai |
| Launch Date | June 28, 2025 (official launch), June 30, 2025 (trainings begin) |
| Duration | One month (June 30 to July 28, 2025) |
| Training Schedule | Weekly Mondays, 5pm-6pm EAT, virtual, mobile-accessible |
| Cost | 10,000 KES, scholarships available |
| Eligibility | Open to all, no prior tech experience, multi-language (English, French soon) |
| Target Audience | Artists, creators, educators, digital entrepreneurs |
| Training Content | 25+ AI modules, 100+ AI apps, 5,000 credits, certificate, mentorship |
| Mentors | Lisa Russell, AI Teaching Artists (Tobi Blaze, etc.) |
| Objective | Democratize AI access, empower creative economy, foster entrepreneurship |
This table illustrates the program’s comprehensive approach to integrating AI into Kenya’s creative sectors.
Broader Context and Additional Insights
While the focus is on the Africa AI Creators Academy, it’s worth noting other recent AI developments in Kenya. For instance, AI training for public servants is set to be launched by July 2025, aiming to enhance government efficiency . Additionally, EON Reality launched a Spatial AI² Academy in May 2025, addressing educational challenges like teacher shortages and rural accessibility EON Reality Launches Spatial AI² Academy at Major African Summit. These initiatives, while different, reflect Kenya’s growing focus on AI education.
Challenges such as infrastructure limitations were highlighted in a May 2025 McKinsey report, noting that only 5% of African AI developers have adequate computing power, yet the potential for economic growth through AI remains significant ([McKinsey Report on Africa Gen AI Opportunity]([invalid url, do not cite])). This context underscores the importance of mobile-accessible programs like the Africa AI Creators Academy.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
An X post by
@lisarussellfilm on June 11, 2025, announced the academy’s opening, stating, “We’re in the news! Africa AI Creator’s Academy, Kenya Edition is open! Join now at artsenvoy.ai/kenya” . This reflects the excitement and momentum around the program. The future outlook suggests that with continued investment and collaboration, Kenya could lead in inclusive AI education, though infrastructure and adoption challenges need addressing.
Conclusion
Kenya’s launch of the Africa AI Creators Academy on June 28, 2025, represents a significant step toward integrating AI into the creative sectors. By targeting artists, creators, and educators with a story-first approach, the program aims to democratize access to the AI economy and foster economic growth. This initiative, combined with ongoing challenges, suggests a promising yet complex path forward for AI in Kenya’s creative landscape.
Key Citations
- Kenya Launches Pioneer AI Creators Academy to Empower Digital Storytellers
- AI Creators Academy Launches to Empower Digital Storytellers in Kenya
- Africa AI Creator’s Academy Official Website
- X post by Lisa Russell Announcing Academy Opening
- Kenya’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025-2030 Launched
- AI Training for Public Servants Set to be Launched by July 2025
- EON Reality Launches Spatial AI² Academy at Major African Summit
