Academics and technology experts from Kenya and the United States of America have emphasized the critical role universities must play in driving digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Kenya.
Addressing a gathering at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi during a seminar organized to commemorate 60 years of US-Kenya partnership on Thursday 27th March 2025, speakers highlighted the urgent need for universities to move beyond traditional academic models and become active participants in national technological development.
Ambassador Bitange Ndemo was particularly pointed, criticizing African universities for being “completely delinked from development”. He challenged institutions to demonstrate their contribution to employment creation and GDP growth through technological innovation.
Professor X.N. Iraki from the University of Nairobi also underscored the importance of universities as “innovators and thought leaders”. He stressed that academic institutions must not only inspire the next generation but also help overcome societal fears surrounding emerging technologies like AI.
The seminar revealed a consensus that universities should serve multiple critical functions including developing local AI solutions, creating practical training programs, and bridging the gap between technological innovation and real-world application.
Magdalene Chepkemoi, a tech entrepreneur, emphasized the need to transform educational approaches. “Technology is disrupting old ways of education,” she noted, calling for more hands-on training and a mindset shift in how academic institutions prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The United States has continuously supported these efforts in Kenya through initiatives such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship and tech skills programs delivered in partnership with facilities such as the iHub in Nairobi, demonstrating the potential for collaborative academic-technological development.
This comes as Kenya launched its national AI strategy on the same day, with universities tasked to nurture local talent, develop context-specific technologies and prepare students to compete in the global digital economy.
