The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and Microsoft, has launched a new Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling in Nairobi. This initiative marks a significant step in Africa’s journey toward digital transformation.
The Centre is based at the Kenya School of Government. It will train civil servants in advanced digital and AI skills. This initiative aims to drive public sector innovation across the African continent.
David Ombee, Project Communications Officer at UNDP Kenya, emphasized the Centre’s role, saying, “The Centre will drive digital transformation across Africa.”
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Training to Improve Governance and Service Delivery
Inspired by Bangladesh’s a2i initiative, the Centre will use a hub-and-spokes model. This means that Kenya will serve as the central hub, and the knowledge will spread to other African countries. The goal is to improve governance and service delivery by equipping civil servants with the right skills.
The Centre aligns with Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032. It will focus on training civil servants in systems thinking, problem-solving, and strategic foresight.
These skills will help prepare them for future challenges. Global technology companies like Microsoft and Google will also offer their expertise to keep the Centre updated.
A key feature of the Centre is the Public Sector Innovation Fund. This fund will help civil servants apply their skills to solve real-world problems. It will also encourage a culture of continuous improvement in public service.
The Centre is also in line with the UNDP Goals. It aims to promote quality education, and decent work, and reduce inequalities across Africa.
The Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling is a bold step toward enhancing governance and driving economic growth across the region.