A group of American entrepreneurs and academicians under Key Note Tour Speakers has challenged Kenyan students to prepare for a rapidly changing world by embracing education, innovation and emerging technologies.
The delegation comprises professionals from different states in the United States who are in Kenya as part of a biennial speaking programme targeting students.
The programme involves visits to schools, interactions with learners and sharing of experiences from the professionals’ academic and career journeys.
The group previously assisted students at Kereri Girls’ School in Kisii to author a book.
During their current tour, the delegation visited Amasege SDA Boarding School and Ichuni National Girls’ School, both in Masaba South, before winding up at Kereri Girls’ School in Nyaribari Chache.
At the schools, the professionals engaged students on education, careers, entrepreneurship, technology and personal development.
Speaking to journalists at a Kisii hotel, entrepreneur and speaker Isabel Donadil challenged students to look beyond examinations and consider how education could help them solve problems in society.
“Education should not only prepare you to pass an examination. It should equip you to understand the world around you and find solutions to the problems facing your community,” she said.
Donadil also urged learners to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and identify opportunities around them.
“Learn to see opportunities where other people see problems. Some of the businesses of tomorrow will be created by young people who are still sitting in these classrooms today,” she said.
The group also donated water tanks and offered scholarships to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We are purposely doing this to give all learners an equal chance at education. We believe nobody should be left behind,” Donadil said.
She added that the delegation was also engaging leaders on mental health, which she described as an emerging concern among young people.
Craig Louis described Kenyan students as “bubbly and engaging”, expressing optimism about their potential.
“We believe in you and we hope more robust funding can be done on technology to help them as they step out of school in the near future,” he said.
July Nicolson praised Kenya’s education system and the growing attention being given to technology.
Dr Patricia Karl said supporting young people was an investment in the country’s future.
The delegation also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
Karl said students could use AI to obtain explanations, practise difficult subjects and broaden their understanding of topics taught in class.
“AI can become your study companion. You can use it to ask questions, test your knowledge and explore subjects from different perspectives,” she said.
However, she cautioned students against accepting AI-generated information without verification.
“Technology gives you answers very quickly, but speed does not always mean accuracy. Learn to question information, compare sources and use your own judgement,” she said.
Diana Strand encouraged students to develop communication and interpersonal skills alongside academic qualifications.
“The world needs people who can communicate their ideas, work with others and lead responsibly. Marks are important, but they are not the only skills that will define your future,” she said.
She urged learners to explore careers beyond traditional professions such as medicine, law and teaching.
“The career landscape is changing. Explore science, technology, creative industries, entrepreneurship and other emerging fields before deciding where your abilities can make the greatest contribution,” she said.
On character and resilience, Strand told students that setbacks should not permanently define their lives.
“You will fail at some point. What matters is whether you learn from that experience, adjust your approach and continue moving forward,” she said.
The American professionals said their biennial visits to Kenya were driven by a desire to give back and expose young people to ideas and experiences beyond their immediate environment.
The programme also gives students an opportunity to interact directly with professionals from different fields and learn about educational and career pathways in the United States.
The delegation is led by Ambassador Domic Obadiah, a humanitarian diplomat.
