On the 18th and 19th of November 2025, something powerful unfolded here in our space in Malindi, something fresh, inspiring, and deeply needed. Over two lively days, we hosted AI Mtaani, a community-led technology experience that brought Artificial Intelligence directly to the grassroots community members. More than 150 youth, teachers, changemakers, and small business owners joined us with one hope: to understand this thing called AI, and what it means for life, work, and survival in the digital age.
For many people in our communities, AI has always sounded like a distant concept, complicated, foreign, and reserved for big companies in big cities. Yet the realities of the world today tell a different story: AI is already shaping jobs, content, business, opportunities, and even how young people compete globally. We knew we couldn’t let Kilifi be left behind.
So we asked ourselves a simple question: What if we brought AI to the grassroots, directly, practically, and kwa lugha ya mtaa? What if we created a space where people could learn through real examples, hands-on demos, and familiar language rather than heavy technical jargon? That question birthed AI Mtaani, and its impact exceeded everything we imagined.
Day 1 was full of energy. We broke down AI in simple Swahili and Sheng, describing it not as a mysterious force but as a helpful smart friend
Participants learned what AI is, how it works, and how they can begin using it immediately. We introduced free tools that young people can use to write content, design posters, manage business records, generate marketing ideas, improve schoolwork, and even spark new side hustles. The moment we started live demos, the room transformed. Phones came out. People tried tools on the spot. Surprise quickly turned into excitement. The reaction was the same everywhere: “Aiiish! So is AI this easy? Mbona hatukujua mapema?”
While day one built curiosity, day two focused on awareness, safety, and digital empowerment. We explored data rights, algorithmic bias, the Data Protection Act, deepfakes, online safety, and the risks young people face in the digital world. Participants carried out policy role-plays, audited social media algorithms, and engaged in rapid-fire quizzes that revealed how fast they were learning.
Their questions were smart and thoughtful:
“How do we know if a video is real?”
“What happens to our data when we sign up for AI tools?”
“Can AI discriminate in job applications?”
It became clear that our youth don’t just want access but also protection, clarity, and power.
Despite transport challenges and the long distances many travelled, the turnout was remarkable. We registered 149 participants, hosted 135 on day one, and welcomed 126 on day two. Those who couldn’t attend mostly cited transport issues and asked us to bring future sessions closer to their villages. Many insisted, “Next time muje mtaani kwetu, we will fill the hall!”
From the two days, several insights stood out. First, there is a huge demand for digital skills. Communities want to learn seriously and urgently. Second, practical demos spark understanding; once people see AI in action, fear disappears. Third, community partnerships with youth groups, CBOs, and local leaders make learning accessible and trusted. And finally, young people see AI not just as a tool for education but also for income, creativity, side hustles, and business growth.
AI Mtaani is not a one-off event, the two-day event has shown us that this will now becoming a long-term program at Maono Space. Our ambition is bold and grounded in the realities of our community. We aim to train 1,000 teachers so that digital confidence becomes part of everyday learning. We want to inspire 10,000 students to dream beyond traditional career paths and consider opportunities in innovation, creativity, and global-skills work. And we plan to reach 10,000 small business owners, showing them how AI can strengthen, scale, and transform their businesses.
Our vision is to build a countywide grassroots ecosystem of AI-literate citizens, youth, parents, teachers, businesses, and entire communities, who can navigate the digital age confidently and safely. We imagine a future where community digital champions emerge from every village. Where local AI hubs support women’s groups, youth groups, and creative communities. Where small businesses use AI to improve efficiency and growth. Where young people understand their digital rights and are protected online.
AI Mtaani made one truth undeniable: when technology meets community in a language people understand, the digital divide becomes a digital opportunity. Kilifi youth are ready, hungry, talented, and already unstoppable. With stronger partnerships, better logistics, and continuous learning, we believe AI Mtaani can transform Kilifi’s digital readiness and ensure that no one is left behind in the AI revolution.
