Education experts have cautioned teachers against relying too heavily on artificial intelligence in classrooms, arguing that technology should enhance learning rather than replace educators.
The warning emerged during the Freedom 250 EdTech Innovators Summit in Nairobi, where policymakers, teachers, technology firms, and development partners discussed Kenya's digital education future.
While participants welcomed the growing use of AI in schools, they stressed that teacher training, digital infrastructure, and inclusive policies remain essential for technology to deliver meaningful learning outcomes.
AI Should Support Teachers Instead of Replacing Them
Education stakeholders issued the warning during the Freedom 250 EdTech Innovators Summit held at the Kenya School of Government, where participants explored how technology can transform teaching and learning across Kenya.
Although artificial intelligence dominated discussions, speakers emphasized that education technology goes beyond AI. They pointed to digital content, virtual learning, learning management systems, online assessment platforms, and other innovations that help improve classroom instruction.
Tufunzeni Executive Director Dennis Omolo said schools should embrace technology as a teaching aid rather than viewing it as a replacement for educators.
According to Omolo, effective teachers remain at the heart of quality education, while digital tools should strengthen classroom delivery and improve learning outcomes.
He added that the real challenge is ensuring innovation reaches every learner while producing measurable improvements in education.
Key Priorities for Successful Digital Learning
Education stakeholders identified several areas that require urgent attention before schools can fully benefit from AI and other digital technologies.
| Priority Area | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| Teacher training | Better integration of AI and digital tools |
| Digital infrastructure | Improved access to technology |
| Affordable internet | Greater connectivity for schools |
| Local digital content | More relevant learning materials |
| Inclusive policies | Equal opportunities for all learners |
Challenges Facing AI Adoption
Teacher Training ██████████████████████ High Priority
Internet Access ████████████████████ Significant Need
Digital Infrastructure ████████████████████ Major Investment
Local Content ██████████████████ Growing Demand
Inclusive Policies ███████████████████ Essential
Participants agreed that teachers need practical skills to integrate AI responsibly without reducing meaningful interaction between educators and learners.
Schools Must Prepare Learners for a Digital Future
Stakeholders also observed that many education technology solutions fail because developers create them without engaging teachers and schools during the design process.
They argued that stronger collaboration between innovators, educators, and policymakers would produce tools that address real classroom challenges.
The summit showcased several digital solutions developed by Kenyan innovators, giving school leaders and teachers an opportunity to explore platforms supporting school management, digital learning, personalized education, STEM instruction and student assessment.
Speakers said innovation should focus on solving practical education challenges instead of introducing technology for its own sake.
Partnerships Seen as Key to Expanding Quality Education
The summit also highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving education reforms.
Drew Giblin, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, said collaboration between governments, educational institutions, and development partners remains critical in expanding access to quality education.
He noted that the United States continues working with Kenyan partners to support innovation, professional development, educational exchanges, and English language learning.
Participants further urged schools to prepare students for an evolving labour market by strengthening critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills alongside the responsible use of emerging technologies.
While AI continues gaining ground in education, stakeholders agreed that technology alone cannot transform learning.
Success will depend on well-trained teachers, reliable digital infrastructure, inclusive policies and thoughtful implementation that keeps learners at the centre of every innovation.
