A section of participants during the summit in Nairobi on July 4, 2026/COURTESY
Education stakeholders have called for stronger partnerships among teachers, government, technology firms, universities and development partners to accelerate the adoption of education technology (EdTech) and better prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.
The call was made during the Freedom 250 EdTech Innovators Summit held at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, where participants said collaboration would be key to ensuring technology improves learning outcomes and expands access to quality education.
The two-day summit, organised by Tufunzeni in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, brought together teachers, school heads, policymakers, EdTech innovators, university representatives and development partners to discuss the future of digital learning in Kenya.
Discussions focused on emerging technologies, digital learning platforms, teacher innovation, English language learning, and strategies for strengthening partnerships to drive education reforms.
Although artificial intelligence (AI) featured prominently during the discussions, participants stressed that education technology extends far beyond AI.
They noted that EdTech also includes digital learning content, learning management systems, virtual and blended learning, immersive technologies, digital assessment tools and teacher professional development platforms, all of which have the potential to make education more accessible and engaging.
Some of the officials during the summit/COURTESY
Tufunzeni Executive Director Dennis Omolo said teachers must remain at the heart of education innovation, arguing that technology should complement rather than replace educators.
"Technology will not replace great teachers. It should help teachers teach better and learners learn better. The real question is not simply whether schools should adopt technology, but how we ensure that innovation improves real learning outcomes and reaches every learner," Omolo said.
Participants said Kenya must invest in teacher training, digital infrastructure, affordable internet connectivity and locally relevant digital content to ensure learners in rural, marginalised and underserved communities are not left behind.
They also called for stronger collaboration between schools and technology innovators, noting that many promising digital solutions fail because they are developed without sufficient input from teachers and classroom practitioners.
Drew Giblin, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy Nairobi, said partnerships remain critical in expanding educational opportunities and supporting innovation.
"The United States is proud to work with Kenyan partners to support innovation, professional development, English language learning and educational exchange. As we mark America's 250th anniversary, we are reminded that innovation thrives when people, institutions and communities work together to solve shared challenges," Giblin said.
The summit also showcased education technology solutions developed by Kenyan innovators, allowing teachers and school leaders to interact with tools designed to improve digital learning, school management, classroom assessment, STEM education, content delivery and personalised learning.
Stakeholders further emphasised the need to equip learners with critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, communication and problem-solving skills, saying these competencies will be essential in the future job market.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to sustain collaboration beyond the summit through practical partnerships aimed at expanding professional development opportunities for teachers and increasing access to innovative learning resources.
"This summit should not end with speeches and photographs. It should lead to new partnerships, new classroom practices and new opportunities for teachers and learners," Omolo said.
