Training of Trainers on responsible AI for startups begins in Nairobi

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

A Training of Trainers (ToT) programme focused on responsible artificial intelligence for startups has been launched in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together ecosystem stakeholders to strengthen ethical AI development within the country’s growing innovation landscape.

The training is being organised by DIFA Consultancy in partnership with UK International Development, Akili AI and KICTANet.

The initiative comes as Kenya’s startup ecosystem increasingly adopts artificial intelligence across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, education and the creative economy. However, organisers note that the integration of responsible AI practices remains uneven, with many startups responding to ethical and governance risks only after deployment.

The programme aims to equip trainers and startup ecosystem actors with practical tools to address key issues in AI development, including bias, transparency, explainability and accountability throughout the technology lifecycle.

As part of the initiative, DIFA Consultancy is also introducing its Responsible AI Toolkit for Startups, developed under the UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund. The toolkit combines ethical principles, legal frameworks, risk assessment tools and case studies designed to support startups in building AI systems that are both innovative and responsible within African contexts.

Organisers say the training is intended to strengthen capacity within Kenya’s startup ecosystem and encourage the development of AI solutions that align with ethical standards while supporting innovation and economic growth.