The Frontier Counties EdTech Summit, themed 'Building Resilient Learning Systems in Kenya’s ASAL Regions', was held on June 13, 2025, in Garissa, focusing on improving education access for pastoralist, rural, and refugee communities.

Education stakeholders gathered to explore technology solutions aimed at addressing the ongoing education crisis in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions.

Peter Wairagu from the Raspberry Pi Foundation emphasized the initiative's goal to enhance digital service access in marginalized areas, with trained teachers becoming digital champions in their schools.

These trained teachers will share their knowledge with colleagues, creating a ripple effect that promotes learning within their communities.

Simon Mwangagi from Juza AI proposed that artificial intelligence could significantly improve education outcomes in pastoralist areas by bridging the teacher gap and functioning without internet connectivity.

Abdullahi Maalim from the Frontier Counties Development Council addressed the historical marginalization and lack of reliable electricity and network services, which hinder digital literacy in the region.

Otieno stressed the necessity for innovative strategies and coordinated responses to enhance educational access and resources, highlighting the importance of equipping teachers and students with technology skills.

A key focus of the summit was empowering teachers through adequate training and support to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms.

Representatives from UNICEF and Lewa Conservancy showcased how digital literacy initiatives can significantly enhance learning outcomes in both refugee and ASAL communities.

EdTech CEO Jennifer Otieno announced plans to create a collaborative platform for stakeholders to address challenges related to technology adoption in education.

Currently, 170 teachers from frontier counties are enrolled in a digital literacy training program, which is expected to benefit over 70,000 learners across various schools.

The summit brought together officials from the Ministry of Education, educators, innovators, and local government actors, all focused on finding localized EdTech solutions.