NAIROBI, KENYA – Google has launched its Gemini Pro Plan in Kenya, granting eligible university and college students free 12-month access to its advanced artificial intelligence tools. The announcement, made on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at an event in Nairobi, is a significant step towards integrating AI into the country's higher education system and preparing students for a digital-first global economy.

The program targets students aged 18 and above who are enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions across Kenya. It provides access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, a powerful AI model designed to function as a personal academic assistant. Key features include the ability to analyze lecture notes, generate study guides, create practice quizzes, and conduct deep research with citations. Students will also receive 2TB of Google Drive storage to support their academic projects. Registration for the complimentary plan is open until Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Strategic Alignment with National AI Goals

This initiative directly supports the newly unveiled Kenya National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, which aims to position the nation as a leading AI innovation hub in Africa. Speaking at the launch, ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo stated that the partnership with Google is a pivotal step that aligns with Kenya's strategic vision. "By democratizing access to advanced AI, we are empowering a generation that will shape the future of our industries and our society," Kabogo said, emphasizing the government's commitment to harnessing AI for sustainable development and economic growth.

The strategy, launched in March 2025, prioritizes building a robust and skilled AI workforce to meet emerging industry demands. Dr. David Watene, Director of University Education and Research at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the urgency of addressing the digital skills gap. "The provision of Gemini Pro offers an unparalleled resource to our academic institutions," he noted, explaining that such tools are vital for nurturing critical thinking and specialized AI skills.

Fostering a Future-Ready Workforce

Google's objective extends beyond providing software. The company aims to equip the next generation with foundational AI skills to enhance creativity, problem-solving, and overall academic performance. "Learning has always been core to Google's mission," said Benson Kinoti, Google for Education Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa. "We believe that providing this powerful suite—which acts as a personal AI tutor for every student...is essential for preparing them for the future workforce."

To further support this goal, Google has also introduced the Gemini Academy, which offers a 90-minute certification course on the ethical and effective use of AI in learning. This training is available to both students and lecturers, aiming to ensure responsible integration of AI into the academic environment.

The Broader Context of AI in Kenyan Education

The integration of AI into Kenya's education sector is gaining momentum, though challenges remain. While institutions like the University of Nairobi and Strathmore University have started to harness AI, issues such as limited access to resources and the need for comprehensive training for faculty persist. This initiative by Google is poised to address some of these gaps by providing widespread access to a state-of-the-art tool at no cost.

The move is part of Google's broader commitment to Africa's digital transformation, which includes a $1 billion investment pledge announced in 2021. These efforts focus on improving connectivity, supporting startups, and developing digital skills across the continent. By placing advanced AI tools directly in the hands of Kenyan students, this program represents a significant investment in the nation's human capital, with the potential to accelerate innovation and enhance Kenya's competitiveness in the global digital landscape.