In the heart of Kibera, one of Africa’s largest informal settlements, dreams are taking flight. Fourteen young innovators from the Coding with Kids programme in Kibera recently made history by showcasing their talents at Enjoy AI International Competition for the Youths held in Shanghai, China from December 14th to 15th 2024.
Against all odds, these brilliant children are proving that talent knows no boundaries, and innovation can thrive even in the most unexpected places.
For many of these children, the journey to Shanghai was more than just a trip abroad—it was the realisation of a dream they never thought possible.
The Coding with Kids programme equips children aged six to 18 with critical STEM skills, preparing them for the digital future.
“We believe in the power of opportunity,” says Renice Owino, the programme’s lead mentor. “These kids are resilient, smart, and creative. All they needed was a platform to show the world what they are capable of.”
Kibera is often painted as a place of poverty, overcrowding, and limited opportunities. Yet, beneath the challenges lies untapped potential.
The 14 children who represented Kenya in Shanghai come from humble backgrounds but carried with them the hopes of an entire community.
The Enjoy AI Competition brought together young innovators from across the globe to showcase robotics and AI-powered solutions that address real-world problems.
The Kenyan team, dubbed Kibera Innovators, developed AI projects ranging from environmental monitoring systems to creative coding solutions that harness the power of artificial intelligence to tackle challenges such as plastic pollution, access to education, and community safety.
During the two-day competition, the children participated in intense activities, including live project demonstrations, coding hackathons, and interactive AI and robotics workshops.
They also took part in team-building sessions, where they collaborated with peers from other countries, sharing knowledge and experiences.
Their efforts did not go unnoticed. The Kenyan team won the Best AI for Environmental Impact award for their project on detecting and reducing plastic pollution in local rivers, a challenge deeply rooted in their community’s experience.
This recognition marked a significant milestone, placing the young innovators on the global map of AI talent. The Kenyan team was also conferred the Best Organization Award, a testament to the team’s exemplary leadership in fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
“These young minds didn’t just compete; they inspired everyone in the room. Their solutions were innovative and deeply rooted in their lived experiences,” said one of the competition’s judges. For the children, this was an opportunity to showcase their talents and share their dreams. Brian Omondi, 13, who developed an AI-powered safety app for Kibera residents, shared his vision: “I want to make my community safer using technology so that no one has to worry when walking home at night.”
Mary Atieno, 11, focused on an AI-assisted learning tool for students in underserved areas: “Sometimes we miss school because of challenges at home. I created this tool so kids can keep learning even when they’re not in class.”
Success of these children is a testament to their determination and the transformative power of mentorship and access to technology.
It shines a light on the importance of early STEM education and digital literacy, particularly in underserved communities. Initiatives such as Coding with Kids are helping to bridge the gap between opportunity and access, empowering the next generation to think critically, solve problems, and envision solutions that can transform the world.
Kennedy, a prominent advocate for AI literacy and digital empowerment across Africa, believes this success is a testament to what is possible when resources and mentorship are brought to those who need them most.
“What we are seeing here is more than just a competition; it’s proof that innovation is everywhere. These kids are leading the way in showing how AI can be a force for good,” he said.
Their story has ignited hope for countless other young learners in Kenya and beyond. Schools, policymakers, and tech leaders are taking note of how programmes such as Coding with Kids are building a pipeline of future innovators and ethical leaders in the field of AI.
For the children, the journey doesn’t end here. With global recognition under their belt, they are more determined than ever to pursue their dreams.
Faith Nyambura, a 12-year-old who worked on a project to detect plastic pollution in rivers, summed it up best: “This is just the beginning. One day, I want to help clean up all the rivers in Africa using technology.”
Their triumph serves as a beacon of hope—a reminder that with access to the right tools, support, and mentorship, Africa’s youth can rise to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.
As we celebrate the success of the Kibera Innovators, there is an urgent need for continued investment in STEM and digital inclusion. The future belongs to those who are empowered to learn, innovate, and lead.
In the words of Renice Owino, “We are not just coding for today; we are coding for the future. These kids are the leaders, problem-solvers, and change-makers of tomorrow.”
From Kibera to Shanghai, China, this is just the beginning of a journey that promises to inspire an entire generation.
The writer is a Machine Learning Researcher and a Technology Policy Analyst.
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