Universities and other institutions of higher learning have been challenged to urgently integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their teaching and learning programs to keep pace with global technological advancements and drive sustainable development.
This call was made by Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management, Eliud Owalo, during the official opening of a two-day International Multi-Disciplinary Conference at Rongo University in Migori County.
Delivering a keynote address themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for a Sustainable Future and Advancing Global Resilience”, Owalo emphasized the need for Kenya’s tertiary institutions to take the lead in embedding AI across all academic disciplines.
This, he says, is to align with a future anchored on ethics, inclusivity, and relevance to local realities.
“We are living in an era of rapid digital transformation. Artificial Intelligence is not a futuristic concept; it is a present-day driver of change that affects how we live, work, and interact,” he said.
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Owalo, who was the Chief Guest, pointed out that beyond equipping learners with digital literacy, universities must be proactive in developing homegrown, ethical, and sustainable AI solutions that can tackle pressing African challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and inadequate healthcare access.
“The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are preparing students for exams or for life. Are we teaching them to follow instructions or to solve real-world problems?” he posed.
Owalo, who served as cabinet secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, told participants, which included researchers, policymakers, educators, and industry players, that AI is now transforming sectors such as agriculture through precision farming, health through early diagnostics, and education by enabling customized learning experiences.
However, he cautioned against uncritical adoption, highlighting risks such as algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, and cyber security threats.
He called for the establishment of inclusive governance frameworks to manage these challenges effectively.
The senior official reiterated the government’s commitment to digital transformation, citing the ongoing implementation of the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, the development of a National AI Strategy, and the creation of Digital Innovation Hubs across counties.
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“Kenya is already recognized as Africa’s Silicon Savannah. Integrating AI and emerging technologies is central to achieving Vision 2030, the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Owalo.
He urged institutions such as Rongo University to promote interdisciplinary research and ensure that AI and digital skills are mainstreamed into sciences, humanities, engineering, and agriculture courses.
The Kenya Kwanza administration, he added, is prioritizing the support of local innovators, with plans to enhance the patenting process and review legal and regulatory frameworks to protect and promote youth-driven tech solutions.
Rongo University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Gudu, who also addressed the gathering, lauded Owalo for donating 100 computers to the institution during his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for ICT.
He noted that postgraduate students were already applying AI techniques thanks to the infrastructure established through this support.
Prof. Gudu further commended the government’s role in bridging the digital divide between rural and urban institutions and called for continued collaboration between academia and government to transform research into practical solutions.
By Polycarp Ochieng
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