Kenyan universities must take a leading role in shaping the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) future, experts declared at the US-Kenya Digital Summit held at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. The seminar, marking 60 years of US-Kenya partnership, emphasized the need for academic institutions to shift from traditional teaching models to active participation in technological advancement.
Ambassador Bitange Ndemo was vocal in his critique of African universities, arguing that they are “completely delinked from development.” He challenged institutions to prove their relevance by demonstrating contributions to employment creation and GDP growth through technological innovation. Ndemo’s remarks underscored the urgent need for universities to embed AI and digital technology into their curricula and research agendas.
Professor X.N. Iraki from the University of Nairobi highlighted the critical role of universities as “innovators and thought leaders.” He stressed that academic institutions must not only inspire future generations but also address societal fears surrounding AI. “We need universities to demystify AI and drive local solutions that address Kenya’s unique challenges,” Iraki stated.
A consensus emerged from the seminar that universities must serve multiple crucial functions, including fostering local AI innovation, designing practical training programs, and bridging the gap between technological advancements and their real-world applications.
Tech entrepreneur Magdalene Chepkemoi reinforced this perspective, emphasizing the urgent need for educational transformation. “Technology is disrupting old ways of education,” she noted, calling for more hands-on training and a shift in mindset on how students are prepared for the evolving digital economy.
The United States has played a key role in advancing Kenya’s digital ambitions through initiatives such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship and collaborative tech skills programs with facilities like iHub in Nairobi. These partnerships highlight the potential for universities to become innovation hubs that drive national progress.
Coinciding with the seminar, Kenya launched its national AI strategy, assigning universities a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, developing context-specific technologies, and equipping students with the skills to compete in the global digital economy. As Kenya charts its path in AI, experts agree that universities must be at the forefront, bridging the gap between knowledge and real-world impact.
