01
Structured learning
Pre-event workshops that sharpen your skills before the sprint.
Sessions cover user-centred design, tools, and the challenge orientation — so you arrive ready to build, not learn from zero.
Kenya AI Challenge 2026
Build AI solutions for real agricultural problems
Kenya's premier AI challenge focused on solving AgriFin problems with expert partners. Apply to be one of 100 selected builders.
Workshops · May 15th onwards
Final sprint · 27–28 June 2026
Secure your spot by registering now
Prize pool
300,000 KES+
In prize money and benefits
Agriculture × AI
1
Challenge partner
AgriFin challenges from the Mercy Corps network
This year's theme is agriculture. Builders will solve problems shaped by Mercy Corps AgriFin and its stakeholder network.
2
Build support
Free credits from frontier technologies
Our technology partners give teams the tools and support to build stronger solutions during the challenge.
Featherless
Open-source LLM hosting
Lovable
AI app builder
Neo4j
Graph database
Masumi
Payment network for AI agents
Prizes and opportunities
Compete to win cash prizes, partner rewards, and career opportunities beyond the challenge.
Total prize pool
KES 130,000
Plus sponsor rewards, recognition, and possible follow-on pathways.
01
KES
60,000
First place
02
KES
30,000
Second place
03
KES
20,000
Third place
04
KES
10,000
Fourth place
05
KES
10,000
Fifth place
Who this is for
We're looking for builders who follow through
Solve real problems, and gain experience alongside teams, stakeholders, and expert partners.
Developers
Build working products and technical systems with real users in mind.
Designers
Shape user flows, product thinking, and clear, considered solutions.
Product thinkers
Define the problem, test ideas, and guide execution end-to-end.
What you walk away with
More than a hackathon. A serious programme designed to produce real outcomes — for participants, partners, and the wider Kenyan ecosystem.
02
Real problem solving
Work on meaningful agricultural challenges shaped with partners.
The problems you'll solve come directly from Mercy Corps AgriFin and their stakeholder network, real gaps in agricultural finance affecting smallholder farmers in Kenya.
03
Mentorship and support
Learn from technical and business mentors throughout.
Access expert mentors and partners who will guide you throughout the programme and help you succeed in the competition.
04
A stronger portfolio
Build a project with real context and execution standards.
Walk away with work you can show — clear goals, real users, partner-backed problem statements, and a defensible build.
05
Visibility and opportunities
Recognition, prizes, and pathways with partners and investors.
Top teams may gain prizes, sponsor recognition, pilot pathways, and exposure to the wider Kenyan ecosystem.
How the programme works
From application to final sprint, the path is structured. Workshops and dates are fixed so teams can prepare with intent.
- 01
Apply
Submit your registration and basic details.
- 02
Selection
Applicants are screened and the final participant group is confirmed.
- 03
Workshops
From 15 May 2026Selected participants join pre-event workshops and orientation.
- 04
Preparation
Teams refine ideas, understand the brief, and prepare to build with direction.
- 05
Final sprint
27–28 June 2026Participants come together in Kenya for the two-day in-person sprint.
- 06
Next steps
Top solutions move into judging, recognition, and possible follow-up opportunities.
Final step
Apply to build with the best
If you want to work on real challenges with serious partners and a clear standard, apply now.
Secure your spot by registering now.
Frequently asked
Questions
Quick answers on eligibility, participation, and what to expect.
Read all FAQs