Blog - @iLabAfrica

11Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Strathmore University and Nation Media Group Forge Strategic Partnership with MOU Signing

From left: Nation Media Group’s Head of IT Mercy Kimani, Strathmore University Director of @iLabAfrica Dr. Joseph Sevilla, NMG Chief Operating Officer Monicah Ndung’u, Head of Data Science and Analytics @iLabAfrica Strathmore University Dr. John Olukuru and Data Scientist @iLabAfrica Strathmore University Abraham Ngetich ‘The truth is in the data’- Dr. John Olukuru In preparation for the Annual Global Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GDSAI) Summit Strathmore University in partnership with Nation Media Group (NMG) formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a significant move aimed at strengthening the ties between technology and the media industry. This partnership marks a new chapter in fostering innovation, advancing educational opportunities, and creating synergies that benefit the youth in the broader media landscape. This collaboration promises to utilize…

06Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

The Impact of Generative AI on Online Safety

Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity

The increased adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in various industries, such as content creation, education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital inclusion, has had a revolutionary impact on Kenya's society, leading to a renaissance of new ideas and innovations. One such innovation is Mzee.ai, a platform designed to preserve the wisdom of African elders by using AI to capture and share their expertise in fields like conservation agriculture, beekeeping, and sustainable fishing. AI's potential for a positive impact on the personal and professional development of youth in Kenya is exponential, and Mzee.ai embodies this potential. However, it is also increasingly important to expose the technology's soft white underbelly, which is the human rights and data privacy concerns surrounding the use and proliferation of AI technology in various social, economic, and governance…

29Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

@iLabAfrica’s neurodivergent students shine at the 2024 Microsoft Global Hackathon

Neurodivergents in Tech

Carol Okara, Irene Gitangu, Nicholas Irungu, Tracey Ng'inja, Amanda Wangari, Immanuel Njau, JohnPaul Parasi, and Gregory Ikenye. ‘Collaboration is one of the key ingredients to fuel innovation.’ The 2024 graduates of the Neurodivergent in Tech Programme make history as @iLabAfrica’s first Neurodivergent team to take on a Global Hackathon. The team displayed exceptional brilliance and innovation at the Microsoft Global Hackathon, held at Microsoft Garage in Nairobi on September 20, 2024. In collaboration with the Next Step Foundation, the @iLabAfrica team proudly sent a talented group of six students to represent them. Nicholas Irungu, Tracey Ng'inja, JohnPaul Parasi, Amanda Wangari, Immanuel Njau, and Gregory Ikenye who showcased their groundbreaking creation, a Neurosensory Device, an inventive solution aimed at transforming lives and advancing technology. The team of six, driven by their…

29Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Exploring Breakthroughs in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Advances in Parahydrogen-Induced Polarisation Techniques for Enhanced Signal Sensitivity

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

On September 13th, 2024, Strathmore University became a hub for scientific exploration by hosting an enlightening event focused on advancements in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. The NMR Hyperpolarization via Parahydrogen event took place in the Sir Thomas More Building, bringing together delegates from the University Of Nairobi and the National Research Fund, staff, and students from Strathmore University. The session delved into how Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization (PHIP) techniques could improve the accessibility and accuracy of NMR technology, making it a game-changer for researchers and practitioners. Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, started the event with his insightful address emphasizing the importance of embracing technology for scientific advancement. Following him, Dr. Dillmann, A researcher at @iLabAfrica IoT elaborated on @iLabAfrica’s commitment to fundamental research, which paves the way for practical technological…

22Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Tony Ombaso’s Journey from Feature Phones to Global Recognition

Artificial Intelligence, Software Development

Tony Ombaso, a rising star in the world of software engineering, clinched one of the most prestigious academic honours of the year. As a Junior Software Engineer at Strathmore @iLabAfrica, Tony has been named the Regional Winner in Computer Science at the highly competitive Global Undergraduate Awards for his thesis, ‘A Deep Learning Model for the Segmentation and Classification of Melanoma Skin Lesions.’ This achievement places him among the brightest minds in academia, as the Global Undergraduate Awards spotlight top-tier undergraduate research from around the world. Where it all began? In a modest Kenyan boarding school, the seeds of Tony’s passion for computer science were planted. Devoid of smartphones or constant access to technology, students had to make do with a single feature phone for communication. Yet, from this simple…

11Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Essential Cybersecurity Tips to Navigate the Digital Landscape

Cybersecurity

In today’s digital era, where devices permeate every facet of our daily lives, be it work, communication, shopping, or entertainment, ensuring online safety has become more crucial than ever. The idea of effecting proper cyber hygiene has gained prominence, particularly in the face of escalating cyber threats. Cyber hygiene refers to the steps and habits that individuals and organizations should cultivate to protect themselves in the digital environment, much like maintaining good health habits in the physical world. In an age where smartphones, smart homes, wearable devices, and even vehicles are interconnected through the internet, practicing good cyber hygiene has become an essential aspect of our digital lives. Recent discussions at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) have underscored the necessity of adopting an effective cyber hygiene routine to combat the…

27Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Grace Otuya’s Academic Journey Across Continents

Data Science

“Do it scared. Do it sad. Do it happy. Just do it!” These words echo the unwavering determination that has defined Grace Otuya’s academic journey. In the dynamic world of higher education, scholarships are much more than financial aid; they are gateways to personal and academic transformation. For countless students, receiving a scholarship signifies academic achievement and a chance to reshape their futures profoundly. For Grace Oyuta, the journey began with an academic trip to the Czech Republic where she was inspired by the country’s rich historical architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Drawn to this new environment, Grace embraced the opportunity and applied for a scholarship, and fortunately, she got it. This scholarship is more than a stepping stone for Grace—it represents a new chapter in her research in IT and…

27Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

@iLabAfrica Graduates Software Programmers in Celebration of World Programmers’ Day

Software Development

World Programmers Day, celebrated annually on September 13th (or September 12th during leap years), originated in Russia in 2009. This day honors the brilliant minds dedicated to developing the software and systems that power our daily lives. The date is significant in the programming world, as it marks the 256th day of the year – a number representing the distinct values that can be represented with an eight-bit byte. In celebration of the day, @iLabAfrica- Strathmore University proudly graduated its second cohort of software development students for 2024, empowering a new generation of programmers ready to make their mark in the tech industry. Launched in March 2021, this intensive four-month program offers rigorous front-end and back-end development training. Participants learn essential skills to design, develop, test, and maintain robust web…

19Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Chakaya Nyamvula’s JGI Placement

Data Science

Hi, I’m Chakaya. I am currently pursuing my MSc in AI and Data Science at Keele University and working as a Business Intelligence Analyst at iLabAfrica at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya. This summer, thanks to the partnership between iLabAfrica and JGI, I had an amazing opportunity to work with JGI for my Master’s placement. I wanted to immerse myself in a research environment and connect with people in academia to help figure out my future career path. Working under the guidance of Dr Huw Day, I gained valuable insights into the world of research and expanded my professional network, all while experiencing life in the UK. Chakaya Nyamvula, JGI Intern What was the project about? Previously for a JGI funded Seedcorn project Mark Mumme, Eleanor Walsh, Dan Smith, Huw Day, and…

12Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

5 Reasons to Invest in Coding for Kids

Executive Education

Did you know that Kautilya Katariya became the world’s youngest computer programmer at age 6 and later founded “The Decipher” to inspire young minds in computing and math? In today’s digital world, coding is not just a technical skill but a gateway to creativity and growth for children. It enhances creativity, logical thinking, and concentration, offering profound benefits. While enrolling your child in a coding program might seem unusual, many professional developers started coding early. According to Stack Overflow’s 2020 survey, over 54% of developers wrote their first code by age 16, and nearly 10% began before their preteens. Research confirms that coding offers numerous advantages for kids, including: Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Coding requires kids to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and find solutions step-by-step. This problem-solving…