By Pascal Ndegwa - Reporter
Loading article content...
Loading article content...
Kenya, November 04, 2026 - Kenya is looking at a possible $180 million grant from China to build a major artificial intelligence project in Eldoret. Officials say the money would support the first phase of an AI Cloud Data Project in the city.
The idea came up during a meeting between a Kenyan official and China’s Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan. They talked about ways the two countries can work together on digital projects. The Kenyan side stressed that any deal must follow Kenya’s own rules, protect people’s data, and put national priorities first.
The project is meant to create infrastructure for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Cloud computing lets people store and use information over the internet instead of only on their own devices. If it goes ahead, the Eldoret centre could help Kenya develop its own AI systems.
Officials also discussed a plan to train Kenyans in AI skills. They want young people and professionals to learn how to build, manage and use these tools so the country can benefit directly. Another topic was the chance to access a larger $5 billion fund from the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.
More from Kenya
The statement does not say the $180 million has already been approved or paid. It describes the amount as a proposed grant. [clarify: exact status of the funding and any signed agreement] remains unclear from the public information given. The same is true for details on who would control the data and the physical infrastructure once built.
Still, the talks matter because they show Kenya trying to grow its digital economy while keeping a firm grip on its data. For people in Eldoret, a project like this could bring new skills and better digital services. For the rest of the country, it raises simple questions: Will the money actually arrive? Will Kenyans control the systems it creates?
The next steps will depend on whether the proposal turns into a firm agreement that meets Kenya’s laws. For now, it remains a discussion with a clear price tag and a clear location attached.