National Olympiad for AI

NOAI is open to all high school students (Form 1-4 / Secondary 1-4) currently enrolled in Kenyan schools. Participants must be:

• Between 14-19 years old
• Enrolled in a recognized high school in Kenya
• Passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Willing to commit to the training and competition schedule

No prior AI experience is required, but basic programming knowledge is beneficial.

NOAI serves as Kenya's national selection competition for the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). The top-performing students from NOAI will be selected to represent Kenya at IOAI, competing against teams from countries around the world.

IOAI is the premier global competition for high school students in AI, featuring both theoretical and practical challenges.

Registration for NOAI is done through our online application portal:

1. Visit the NOAI Application Page
2. Complete the online application form with your personal and academic information
3. Submit any required documents (school verification, etc.)
4. Wait for confirmation email

Make sure to register before the deadline! Late applications will not be accepted.

No! Participation in NOAI is completely FREE. There are no registration fees, exam fees, or training costs.

If selected for the national team to attend IOAI, travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by IndabaX Kenya and our sponsors.

The application deadline is announced on the NOAI homepage and via our social media channels. Typically, registration opens 2-3 months before the national competition.

We strongly encourage early registration as spaces may be limited. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive deadline reminders!

The NOAI selection process consists of multiple stages:

1. Initial Application: Submit online application with academic background
2. Written Examination: Test covering AI fundamentals, mathematics, and logic
3. Shortlisting: Top performers advance to training camp
4. Training Camp: Intensive training in AI concepts and practical skills
5. Final Selection: Best performers chosen for the national IOAI team

The entire process is merit-based and transparent.

The number of students selected varies by year and depends on IOAI team requirements. Typically:

• Initial Shortlist: 20-30 students advance to training camp
• National Team: 4-6 students represent Kenya at IOAI

However, all participants benefit from the learning experience, workshops, and networking opportunities!

NOAI covers a broad range of AI and machine learning topics:

• Foundations: Mathematics, statistics, probability, linear algebra
• Machine Learning: Supervised/unsupervised learning, neural networks, deep learning
• AI Algorithms: Search algorithms, optimization, game theory
• Practical Skills: Python programming, data analysis, model building
• Ethics: AI fairness, bias, societal impact

Exact topics are published closer to the competition date.

We recommend the following preparation steps:

• Learn Python: Focus on NumPy, Pandas, and scikit-learn
• Study AI Basics: Use free online courses (Coursera, edX, Fast.ai)
• Practice Mathematics: Linear algebra, calculus, probability
• Past Papers: Review previous NOAI and IOAI problems (when available)
• Join Study Groups: Connect with other applicants online

We will also provide preparation materials and resources to registered participants.

For the written examination, no computer is required - it will be a paper-based test.

For the training camp and practical sessions, access to a computer with internet connection is highly recommended. If you don't have access to a personal computer, please indicate this in your application, and we will make arrangements.

The competition venue will be announced closer to the event date and communicated to all registered participants. Typically, NOAI is held in Nairobi, Kenya at a central, accessible location.

For students outside Nairobi, we may provide accommodation support for the training camp (subject to availability and sponsorship).

Yes! Selected participants will receive:

• Online Resources: Study materials, practice problems, video tutorials
• Training Camp: Intensive in-person training with AI experts and mentors
• Mentorship: Ongoing support from university students and AI professionals
• Mock Competitions: Practice rounds to prepare for IOAI

Our goal is to ensure every participant gains valuable AI knowledge and skills!