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Technology can help bridge the education gap facing learners with disabilities by giving them greater access to classrooms, learning materials and employment opportunities, Robisearch Limited Chief Executive Officer Robert Manyala has said.

Manyala, who is also the founder of Robisearch Kenya, Uganda and South Africa, said technological innovation was increasingly providing opportunities for learners who face physical or other challenges that may limit their participation in conventional education.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Kenya Institute of Special Education Conference 2026, themed “Advancing Disability Inclusion through Assistive Technology and Innovation,” Manyala said although learners sit similar examinations, their opportunities are often determined by their circumstances and geographical locations.

He said assistive technologies showcased at the conference could enable learners who have difficulties moving, communicating or learning at the same pace as others to access education and compete fairly.

“Some students are slow learners because of disability but not inability. Technology can help them revise like any other student and give their best in the job market,” Manyala said.

He noted that advances in technology were also changing the traditional concept of employment, allowing people to work remotely for organisations in different parts of the country and beyond.

Manyala said Robisearch was working towards creating about 1,500 jobs while encouraging young people to use technology to turn their skills and knowledge into employment opportunities.

He urged the Government to continue supporting technology expos and innovation forums in universities and other institutions so that more Kenyans can access emerging technologies.

According to Manyala, Kenya has the potential to become a major technology hub and export technology products and services in the same way it exports agricultural products.

He cited exposure to technological innovations in countries including China, India, South Africa and Israel as having demonstrated the potential for technology to create large-scale employment and improve productivity in sectors such as agriculture.

AI is an accelerator, not a job killer

Manyala also challenged the growing perception that artificial intelligence (AI) will eliminate jobs, saying the technology should instead be viewed as a tool for improving productivity.

He said AI could take over repetitive tasks and allow workers to concentrate on activities requiring human creativity, judgement and innovation.

“AI is an accelerator,” Manyala said, explaining that technology should be used to increase people’s capacity to perform their duties rather than being viewed solely as a threat to employment.

He encouraged young people to embrace digital platforms and use their phones and other technologies to create opportunities instead of waiting solely for formal employment.

Manyala said young people could begin by volunteering, marketing products online or offering digital services based on their interests and skills.

He urged the youth to identify their passions and use available technology to build careers and businesses.

Technology improving school safety

Manyala said Robisearch had also developed technological solutions aimed at improving safety, accountability and communication in schools.

He cited a biometric attendance system that enables parents to receive SMS notifications when their children arrive at or leave school.

The system, he said, could also help schools monitor learners transported using school vehicles.

Robisearch has also introduced CCTV technology that allows authorised school officials to monitor activities in classrooms remotely.

Manyala said the company was further promoting a student feedback system that allows learners to anonymously submit challenges, suggestions and recommendations to school management.

He said the system was designed to give students a channel to communicate their concerns to school administrators before frustrations escalate into destructive behaviour.

“Sometimes they want to hear that you have heard them,” he said, arguing that technology-enabled communication could help schools identify and address students’ concerns and prevent avoidable incidents.

Manyala called on parents, teachers, students and the wider public to embrace technology as a tool for improving education, creating employment and building a more inclusive society.

He said the future of employment would increasingly depend on people’s ability to use technology and apply their skills beyond traditional workplaces.

“Kenya is a good nation. We have natural resources and opportunities that we can take advantage of. We can do something to make it a better nation,” he said.