Mary Waceke: Kenya Must Shift from Superstition to Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

It is a sad moment for Githunguri Constituency in Kiambu, and indeed for the country at large, that when the rest of the world is boldly pushing the boundaries of innovation, even exploring possibilities of life beyond Earth, sections of our society remain trapped in conversations around traditional witchcraft…..

At a time when global attention is shifting toward space exploration, artificial intelligence, and robotics, Kenya cannot afford to lag behind by clinging to outdated beliefs that offer no tangible progress. 

The future is being shaped by data, technology, and innovation. 

Nations are investing heavily in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, automation, and robotics to transform industries, improve healthcare, boost agriculture, and create new economic opportunities.

Kenya, with its youthful population and growing tech ecosystem, has immense potential. 

What we need now is a mindset shift. Instead of focusing on fear-driven narratives rooted in superstition, we should be encouraging curiosity, education, and technological advancement. 

Our schools, institutions, and leaders should be at the forefront of promoting digital literacy, coding, AI integration, and innovative thinking.

Imagine a Githunguri where young people are building robots, developing AI-powered solutions for farming, or creating apps that solve local challenges.

 That is the direction we should be heading.

 Technology is not just a global trendit, it is the foundation of future economies. 

This is not to dismiss culture, but to emphasize priorities. 

Culture should evolve and coexist with progress, not hold it back. The real empowerment of our people lies in knowledge, science, and innovation, not in fear of the unknown.

If we fail to embrace this shift, we risk being left behind in a rapidly advancing world. But if we choose to invest in AI, robotics, and modern technology today, we can position Kenya, and places like Githunguri, as hubs of innovation in Africa and beyond.

The choice is ours: remain in the past, or boldly step into the future.