Migori County: Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has called on universities to swiftly incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their curriculums, emphasizing its importance for Kenya to remain competitive both on the African continent and globally. Owalo made these remarks during the opening of a two-day international multi-disciplinary conference at Rongo University.
According to Kenya News Agency, Owalo’s keynote address centered on the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for a Sustainable Future and Advancing Global Resilience.” He urged higher education institutions to prioritize AI integration to achieve an Africa-driven agenda that is ethical, inclusive, and relevant to local realities. Owalo highlighted the transformative power of digital technologies, particularly AI, and the need for universities to lead in developing sustainable solutions to address Africa’s pressing challenges.
Owalo posed critical questions about the purpose of education, challenging institutions to prepare students not just for exams but for life, equipping them with problem-solving skills rather than mere instruction-following abilities. The conference, attended by researchers, educators, policymakers, and industry experts, explored how emerging technologies could enhance resilience in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance. Owalo stressed that AI is already reshaping society and is no longer a distant concept.
He acknowledged the vast opportunities AI presents but also cautioned about the ethical dilemmas and challenges, such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and cybersecurity concerns. Owalo emphasized the necessity for inclusive governance frameworks to fully leverage AI’s potential in education.
Government initiatives, including the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032 and the development of a National AI Strategy, were highlighted by Owalo as part of the commitment to this vision. He reaffirmed Kenya’s reputation as Africa’s “silicon savannah,” driven by innovation and digital solutions, and positioned AI as central to achieving national aspirations, including Vision 2030 and sustainable development goals.
Owalo called on institutions like Rongo University to integrate AI and digital literacy across disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary research to address real-world challenges. He assured that the Kenya Kwanza administration would support local inventions through enhanced patenting and reforms in policy and regulatory frameworks, protecting young tech entrepreneurs.
The conference also featured Rongo University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Gudu, who praised Owalo for donating 100 new computers during his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for ICT. Prof. Gudu noted that the university’s postgraduate students are already employing AI techniques, thanks to the systems established by Owalo. He commended government efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural institutions and advocated for continued collaboration between academia and government to convert research into practical solutions.