Blog - @iLabAfrica

31May 2024 by @iLabAfrica 2 Comments

@iLabAfrica Research Scholars Scoop 3rd place at the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) Innovation Challenge

On the 29th of April, 2024 The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), in partnership with Caava VantagePoint AI (CVPAI), embarked on an Artificial Intelligence Innovation challenge for the insurance industry. @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University was represented by four research scholars at @iLabAfrica pursuing their Masters in Data Science and Analytics. Dubbed the Tunga team, the group comprised Lindah Kelida, Derrick Lubanga, Sharon Tonui, and David Nene. The team emerged 3rd overall in the challenge with a prize of 1 hour of consultancy worth KSH. 60,000. 1. Before we begin, Congratulations on your win. What was Tunga’s motivation to sign up for the hackathon? We are currently experimenting with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, as well as different AI communications and domains, so our motivating factor was to use this as an…

29May 2024 by @iLabAfrica 1 Comment

From Student to Developer: @iLabAfrica’s Certificate Programme shaping the future of Software Development

Software Development

On Friday 17th May 2024, the @iLabAfrica graduated its first cohort of the Software Development program. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and an overall sense of triumph as they gathered for their graduation. The cafeteria was specially decorated with vibrant school cues, complimenting the students dressed to the nines for their special day. The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Ivan Bunyali, Program Coordinator at the Executive Education Department, who set the tone of celebration reminiscing on how each student had their expectations and goals when they signed up for the program. He congratulated them on their tenacity when enduring the long nights to meet assignments alongside their project deadlines and their ability to come together as a class regardless of their individual goals. He urged…

23May 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Securing the Digital Frontier: Expert Tips from @iLabAfrica’s Alex Osunga

Cybersecurity

Picture this. You leave work in the evening with everything perfectly in order, only to wake up the next day to find that your systems across multiple departments have been hacked by a political organization. What would you do? This was the grim reality of the KFC Fast Food Franchise on the morning of 5th May 2024. Customers in their restaurants were confronted with screens displaying messages from the Mutarrif Hamas Islamic Force, announcing a cyberattack creating a buzz on social media. This ‘cyberattack,’ more accurately described as website defacement, occurs when malicious parties infiltrate a website and replace content on the site with their messages. The messages mostly convey a political or religious message, profanity, or other inappropriate content that would embarrass website owners, or a notice that a…

23May 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Bridging Gaps: Kimberly Kuya’s Journey with Kib Linking Services

Innovation & Incubation

In recent weeks, floods have affected different counties in Kenya, making access to basic necessities a significant challenge. Homes and roads have been damaged, isolating communities and hindering aid delivery. Amidst these difficulties, Kimberly Kuya, a graduate student in Business Management, at Strathmore University is developing a promising solution aimed at simplifying service provision through real-time connections. Kimberly's vision for Kib Linking Services is grounded in practicality, efficiency, and economic empowerment. In Kenya, where technology adoption is on the rise, there's a growing demand for tech-driven solutions. According to DataReportal’s Digital 2023 report, the number of internet users in Kenya reached 17.86 million by June 2023, highlighting the increasing reliance on digital platforms for everyday needs. Kib Linking Services will operate on a user-friendly platform that enables individuals to find…

22Apr 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Empowering Education: Inside the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon

Innovation & Incubation

GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON Did you know that in 2024, almost 1.13 million primary school children in Kenya aged 6 to 13 years old have dropped out of school, according to a recent survey? This alarming statistic highlights a range of challenges hindering access to education, including limited internet access, parental reservations about education, nomadic lifestyles, and financial barriers to school fees. Globally, approximately 5% of children are out of school, while many enrolled students struggle to meet educational standards. Disparities in access to quality education persist, particularly in underserved communities, as highlighted by a report from Usawa, a non-governmental organisation. In response to these challenges, the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica-Strathmore University have united to launch the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon. This collaborative initiative aims to merge…

28Mar 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Strathmore University Graduate Trainees in AI Capacity Building Program

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Program graduates pose for a photo. Nairobi. @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University recently graduated its first cohort of The Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Program. The program, in collaboration with GIZ Kenya, was aimed at enhancing Artificial Intelligence expertise in Kenya. Participants underwent extensive training on various aspects of Artificial Intelligence since April 2023. The training encompassed various fields such as FinTech, Justice, Agriculture, Energy, and the Ethical Use of AI.A representative from the German Embassy in Kenya pointed out the vitality of the training program citing, “Working towards a more open, inclusive, & sustainable approach to AI on a global scale, we aim to enhance the conditions for local AI development in its partner countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.” AI plays a pivotal role…

28Mar 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

@iLabAfrica Training Prospective Individuals in the Field of Software Development

Executive Education, Software Development

The software development industry is one of the fastest-growing industries of our time. As the demand for technology and automated services grows, so does the need for high-quality software developers. Despite the high demand for software developers, there is a shortage of individuals with the necessary expertise to fill these roles. Recognizing this critical gap, @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University is committed to addressing this shortage by offering a top-tier training program in Software Development. The Software Development course aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive training that equips students with the necessary skills for success in the industry. @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University has assembled a team of experienced instructors who are industry professionals and has designed a curriculum that covers the latest technologies and best practices in software engineering. This course is geared…

28Mar 2024 by @iLabAfrica 1 Comment

@iLabAfrica Kicks off the Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization

Data Science

Data Analytics and Visualization students during a class. Nairobi. The Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization is a specialized training program offered by @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University. It is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to analyze large datasets, derive actionable insights, and communicate findings effectively through data visualization. The demand for data analytics and visualization professionals is on the rise, driven by the exponential growth of data across various sectors including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven decision-making and are seeking skilled professionals who can extract meaningful insights from data to drive business outcomes. Despite the growing demand for data analytics and visualization skills, there is a market deficit of individuals with the requisite expertise to fill these roles. Organizations…

15Mar 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Pioneering Orthopedic Innovation with Amek Manufacturing

Innovation & Incubation

Mercy Kilonzo, a second-year student studying Financial Economics at Strathmore University, envisions making waves in the healthcare industry with her startup idea, Amek Manufacturing. As one of the top 20 student startups selected for the DDQIC Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship Program: Strathmore Chapter, Mercy's journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it's about conceptualizing a transformative idea that could reshape the future of healthcare. "I've always had a passion for finding solutions to real-world problems," Mercy shares. "When I learnt about the shortage of affordable orthopedic implants in our country, I knew I had to do something about it." Influenced by both parents in the medical industry and her desire to make a difference, Mercy conceived the idea of Amek Manufacturing, aimed at locally producing orthopedic implants, screws, and plates…

29Feb 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through IoT and AI

IoT & Wireless Networks

The plight of smallholder farmers in Kenya is significant, with more than 70% of the farming population falling into this category. These farmers are the backbone of the nation's food supply. Yet, they face myriad challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, inadequate access to essential information, and limited resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the heart of Kenya, smallholder farmers (SHFs) play a significant role in ensuring the nation’s food security. However, they face a profound challenge due to the adverse impacts of climate change and the lack of access to localized data, severely hindering their productivity and resilience. Nonetheless, a beacon of hope emerges through innovative technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and empower…