KNATCOM and UNESCO Unveil Kenya's Student and Teacher Delegation for the 2026 UNESCO–CODEMAO Youth Coding Exchange Programme
The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) and UNESCO officially unveiled the Kenyan students and teachers selected to participate in the 2026 UNESCO–CODEMAO Youth Coding Exchange Programme and the Africa–Asia Youth AI Study Tour to be held in Shenzhen, China, from 19–26 July 2026. Supported by UNESCO and CODEMAO, the programme will bring together young innovators from Africa and Asia to strengthen their skills in coding, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. During the exchange, participants will engage with leading technology companies, universities, and innovation hubs while working alongside their international peers to develop AI solutions that address real-world challenges.
Addressing the schools’ heads of institutions, teachers, parents, and students during the unveiling ceremony, KNATCOM challenged the students to serve as worthy ambassadors of Kenya by embracing excellence, integrity, and innovation throughout the programme. In a speech read by Dr. George Eshiamwata on behalf of Dr. James Njogu, the Ag. Secretary General/CEO, the four students and two teachers travelling for the exchange programme were encouraged to seize every learning opportunity, build lasting international networks, share Kenya’s rich culture with confidence, and return home ready to inspire and mentor other young people. Teachers accompanying the delegation were urged to leverage the experience to strengthen coding and AI education in their schools, mentor more learners, and champion digital transformation in line with Kenya’s education and innovation agenda.
The UNESCO–CODEMAO Youth Coding Initiative continues to empower young people with the digital competencies required for the future while advancing UNESCO’s vision of inclusive, equitable, and quality education. Kenya’s participation underscores the country’s commitment to nurturing a generation of creative problem-solvers and ethical technology leaders who can contribute to sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation. As the delegation embarks on this exciting journey, they carry with them the aspirations of a nation that believes in the transformative power of education, collaboration, and youth-led innovation.
