AI to feature at Research and Innovation forum in Thika

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will feature during a five-day research and innovation forum to be held in Thika, Kiambu County this week.

The Research and Innovation Week to take place at Mount Kenya University’s Thika main campus from Monday October 14th, brings together stakeholders, including Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), TVETs, government bodies, NGOs, industry players, innovation hubs, regulators, and international partners.

Among other topics, it will discuss the integration of artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship, industry and other spheres of the economy.

Key participants and speakers include Allan Cheboi (Data and Digital Technology (DigiTech), Dr Judy Mwangi of Kenyatta University, Dr Sylvia Ndanu (Technical University of Kenya), Daniel Ong’ong’a of MKU and Tony Kwalanda of Cape Media.

Themed “Research and Innovation for Sustainable Production and Livelihoods,” the event aims to showcase creative solutions and foster collaborations between academia, industry, and government to address real-world challenges.

“The second Research and Innovation Week promises to be a dynamic forum for thought leaders, educators, students, and innovators to exchange ideas and catalyze change. Participants can expect to leave with practical strategies, a wealth of new ideas, and a renewed focus on preparing learners for successful careers in their fields,” said Dr Henry Yatich, chairman of the organizing committee.

He noted that participants will present groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to spark new ventures, spin-offs and innovative products, strengthening the link between research and practical application.

“A key focus will be on enhancing partnerships through MKU’s Service-Learning (SL) initiative, aligning academic programs with industry needs to equip students with hands-on experience for career success,” says the  Dr Tatich.

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and gain actionable insights on how to integrate innovative practices into their programs, ensuring graduates are industry-ready.

“The event will culminate on October 17 with an exciting hackathon, challenging participants to solve pressing societal and industry issues through creative solutions,” said Dr Yatich, who is also Principal College of Graduate studies and Research at MKU.

The forum has attracted support from leading organizations, including Equity Bank, the National Research Fund, Maxfre Ltd, Maruti Ltd, Innova Ltd., GTCO Bank, DAAD through the ACCESS Project, and Modern Tents Ltd. Their sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to nurturing innovation and promoting sustainable production and livelihoods.