Akili TV to Premiere Project Olii, the World’s First AI Literacy Children’s Series
The new animated series introduces children and families to Artificial Intelligence through storytelling, curiosity and play, bringing an important global conversation to Kenyan screens.
Akili TV in collaboration with KidsAI has announced the premiere of Project Olii, the world’s first AI literacy children’s series, which will begin airing on June 2, 2026.
The premiere marks the first television broadcast of Project Olii anywhere in the world and positions Kenya at the forefront of a global conversation around children, technology and the future of learning.
As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how children learn, play, search, and interact with the world, Project Olii introduces these ideas in a way that is engaging, age-appropriate and easy to understand. Through storytelling, humour and adventure, the 12-episode series helps children explore what AI is, how it works, where it can go wrong, and why human thinking and decision-making still matters.
Created by KidsAI, Project Olii is designed not as another tech product for children, but as a child-first educational series that helps young audiences build the language, curiosity and confidence to understand the technology existing around them.
This launch comes at a timely moment for Kenya, as the country continues to expand conversations around innovation, digital literacy and responsible technology through its National AI Strategy 2025-2030. Project Olii introduces these ideas to children in a format they can connect with through animated characters, storytelling and everyday relatable moments.
Across 12 episodes, children follow Zoe, a curious and tech-savvy young girl, and her best friend Minjun, as they build, play and learn alongside Olii, an AI-powered robot. Along the way, viewers are introduced to foundational AI concepts such as data, patterns, machine learning, input, output, mistakes, bias and responsibility.
At its core, Project Olii encourages children not just to use technology, but to question it, helping them become thoughtful creators and confident critical thinkers in an increasingly digital world.
Quote from Akili TV
“When we launched Akili in 2020, we never imagined that one day we’d be airing a programme teaching children about artificial intelligence. But perhaps we should have.
AI will reshape the world as profoundly as the printing press or the Internet. Giving children the language and thinking tools to understand it is one of the most important things children’s media can do right now.
And there is something deeply fitting about this happening in Kenya — the birthplace of humanity, and now the birthplace of AI education for a new generation. We are proud to bring Project Olii to Akili TV.”
Jeff Schon CEO & Co-Founder Akili Network
Quotes from KidsAI
“AI literacy is becoming a basic skill like maths and reading. Children do not need more technology around them without explanation. They need the language to understand it, question it and use it with judgment. Project Olii was created exactly for that, to turn AI from something mysterious into something children can think about, talk about and shape. We are proud that the world’s first AI literacy series is premiering first on Akili TV in Kenya.”
Irmak Atabek, Co-Founder & CEO, KidsAI
“Children’s media has always helped young audiences make sense of the world around them, whether that’s science, relationships, history or big ideas. AI is now becoming part of children’s everyday reality, yet very little content explains it in a way children can truly understand. Project Olii was created to change that through storytelling children genuinely enjoy.”
Tulin Ulkutay Eris, Co-Founder of KidsAI and Executive Producer of Project Olii
A New Conversation for Families and Educators
Project Olii is designed to be watched together by children, parents, teachers and caregivers. Each episode opens up conversations around how intelligent systems work and how children can think critically about the technology they encounter every day.
The series explores questions such as:
- What is data?
- Why does the input change the output?
- Can a machine make mistakes?
- Can technology “know” something?
- What should humans decide and what should machines never decide for us?
More than a show about technology, Project Olii is about curiosity, judgment, responsibility and imagination, giving children the tools to better understand the world they are growing up in.
About Akili TV
Akili TV is Kenya’s premier family entertainment channel, providing safe, engaging content for children and their families. As the nation’s most trusted source for wholesome programming, Akili TV offers a variety of shows that inspire learning, creativity, and bonding. With a focus on educational and family-friendly content, Akili TV continues to be a beloved destination for viewers of all ages.
Kids love us. Parents trust us.
About KidsAI
KidsAI is a technology and media company building Olii, an IP-led, gamified AI literacy platform for children. Founded by leaders across children’s media, technology and education, KidsAI brings together expertise spanning BBC Children’s & Education, Cartoon Network, UNICEF and international children’s IP development.
Olii combines children’s media, school-based AI literacy programs and play-based learning experiences designed to help children understand how AI works, where it can make mistakes, and why human judgment matters.
Media Enquiries
Akili TV
Mercie Matu
VP – Brand and Marketing
mercie.matu@akilinetwork.com
KidsAI
Irmak Atabek – Co-Founder & CEO
irmak@kidsai.io
Tulin Ulkutay Eris – Co-Founder & COO
tulin@kidsai.io