Mr. Augustine Nzuki (in White T.Shirt l holding Kenyan flag) is being flagged off to represent Kenya and Africa at the prestigious UNESCO-CODEMAO Youth Coding Initiative in Shenzhen, China. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Joy and celebration marked a special send-off at Tala Township Primary School in Matungulu Sub-county, Machakos County, after one of its teachers, Mr. Augustine Nzuki, was selected to represent Kenya and Africa at the prestigious UNESCO-CODEMAO Youth Coding Initiative in Shenzhen, China.
Mr. Nzuki, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teacher, is among only four teachers selected from Africa for the Asia-Africa exchange programme and has been appointed the Lead of the African delegation.
The UNESCO-CODEMAO Youth Coding Initiative seeks to strengthen young people's capacities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer programming, promote international collaboration and knowledge exchange, and support the development of inclusive digital education ecosystems across participating countries.
The week-long programme, scheduled for July 19 to 26, 2026, will bring together teachers and students from China, Kenya, the Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Namibia and Thailand for intensive learning on AI, coding, digital innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. Participants will take part in innovation workshops, institutional visits, intercultural exchanges, collaborative project development and dialogue sessions with fellow educators and young innovators.
Education officials, teachers, learners and members of the local community gathered at Tala Township Primary School to bid farewell to Mr. Nzuki ahead of his departure on Saturday. His selection was hailed as a testament to his dedication, innovation and commitment to advancing digital learning both within the school and the wider community.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Nzuki said he was honoured to represent Kenya, Machakos County and Tala Township at the international forum.
He noted that the programme would provide a unique opportunity to engage with the CODEMAO team in China, a country renowned for its leadership in artificial intelligence, digital literacy and technological innovation.
"The selection process was highly competitive, and I am honoured to have been chosen to lead the African team. I look forward to acquiring advanced knowledge in AI, learning from global experts and visiting institutions where artificial intelligence is being applied extensively. I intend to bring back these skills to benefit our learners and fellow teachers," he said.
Matungulu Sub-county Director of Education Lilian Gitahi described the selection as a great honour for the school, the sub-county, Machakos County and Kenya.
She expressed confidence that the knowledge and experience Mr. Nzuki would gain would have a lasting impact on both teachers and learners through improved digital education and innovation.
Acting Headteacher Phyllis Sila said the school was proud to see one of its teachers represent the country on the global stage.
She praised Mr. Nzuki for his commitment to innovation and his efforts in integrating ICT skills into teaching and learning, noting that the exposure would enable him to introduce new ideas and best practices to the school and the wider education community.
School President Louis Matoke also lauded the achievement, describing Mr. Nzuki as a dedicated mentor who has played a pivotal role in strengthening ICT learning at Tala Township Primary School.
"We are proud to celebrate our teacher's international achievement. He has inspired many learners, and this milestone is a source of pride for the entire Tala Township community," he said.
Tala Township Primary School is among only 20 schools in Kenya participating in the CODEMAO programme, making the institution one of the country's pioneers in promoting coding, artificial intelligence and digital skills among young learners.
