Mitsumi invests Ksh.259M in Kenya AI project to support youth innovation

Technology distributor Mitsumi has announced a $2 million (about Ksh.259 million) investment in an Artificial Intelligence cloud platform aimed at empowering Kenyan youth and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.

The company said the investment will support university graduates, software developers, and young innovators by giving them affordable access to AI infrastructure and global technology platforms.

Speaking at the AI Everything Kenya X GITEX Kenya Summit in Nairobi, Mitsumi founders Mitesh Shah and Jagat Shah said the project is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme targeting youth innovation and skills development.

“AI cloud which we are putting up is around $2 million. This is mostly CSR from Mitsumi’s side so that most of the youths, our educated youths can use it and try their different things,” said Mitesh

The AI cloud platform is expected to provide local developers with an opportunity to build software, test AI solutions, and access international markets without incurring the high costs associated with global data infrastructure.

According to the company, affordability has remained one of the biggest barriers preventing many Kenyan youths from fully participating in advanced technology development despite having the necessary skills.

“So many youths are well educated to do something good, but because of cost and affordability, they are not getting good exposure,” Jagat said.

Mitsumi revealed that it is already employing more than 50 young people in its AI division, where they are involved in research and development of AI systems and digital solutions.

The company said Kenya’s youthful population and growing digital talent place the country in a strong position to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence and software development.

“Kenyan youth are very strong. They are highly knowledgeable. They know software very well. They just wanted a platform,” the founders said.

Mitsumi also welcomed the government’s push to establish an AI policy framework, saying proper regulation and ethical AI use would help spur innovation and create new economic opportunities.

The firm further noted that AI solutions developed by local innovators could help improve healthcare, education, and other essential services, especially in remote parts of the country.

The announcement comes amid growing interest in Kenya’s digital economy, with both government and private sector players increasing investments in artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and technology training programmes.