Innovation Flourishes  at 3rd Global Data Science and AI Summit

Innovation Flourishes  at 3rd Global Data Science and AI Summit

Artificial Intelligence, Data Science
From left to right: Satyajit Turumella - Chief Commercial Officer, Nation Media Group IT Advisory Director, Grant Thornton Advisory -East Africa, Esther Ngare - Transformation Lead - Nation Media Group and Richard Wanjoi- Manager @iLabAfrica  @iLabAfrica launched the 3rd Global Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Summit (GDSAI) on 13th November 2024, with the theme ‘Unlocking the Power of Big Data and AI to Shape the Future through Innovation’ which showcased the impact and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including agriculture, wildlife, media, and retail. The annual two-day event turned into a three-day one as Strathmore University’s collaboration with Nation Media Group (NMG) introduced the first media-centered Pre-Summit Hackathon exploring how AI can revolutionize revenue generation, audience engagement, and emerging technologies in the media industry.  The event brought…
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Strathmore University and Nation Media Group Forge Strategic Partnership with MOU Signing

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

Artificial Intelligence, Data Science
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…
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The Impact of Generative AI on Online Safety

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…
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Tony Ombaso’s Journey from Feature Phones to Global Recognition

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…
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Immersive Learning: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Education

Immersive Learning: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Education

Artificial Intelligence
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, it is no wonder that artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force across various fields such as fintech, banking, retail, and recently education.  From personalized learning experiences to administrative efficiency, Artificial Intelligence tools have been deployed in learning institutions across the globe with over 60% of educators using AI in their classrooms according to Forbes Advisor.  Despite AI’s popularity in the educational landscape especially with Open AI’s ChatGPT becoming a constant helper with students’ assignments with over 100 million users according to UNESCO, educators and experts are skeptical about Artificial Intelligence taking center stage and instead predict it will play a supporting role in the teaching process assisting educators with administrative tasks hence the time spent on those tasks can be…
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Artificial Intelligence: What have you done for me lately?

Artificial Intelligence: What have you done for me lately?

Artificial Intelligence
July 16th  is a day we commemorate Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day which seeks to highlight the positive achievements of A.I. technology to humanity while also shining a spotlight on A.I. ethics. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a dynamic force shaping industries and transforming societies globally. AI is becoming a game-changer in Kenya, driving innovation and offering solutions to local challenges. As we delve into the latest trends and advancements, it's clear that AI is not just a buzzword—it's a reality reshaping the Kenyan landscape profoundly and this is  how AI has made an impact in Agriculture, Healthcare and Civic Education Empowering Agriculture One of the most impactful applications of AI in Kenya is in the agricultural sector. With over 70% of the population relying on…
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AI Revolutionising Education: A Story of Innovation and Inclusion

AI Revolutionising Education: A Story of Innovation and Inclusion

Artificial Intelligence, Innovation & Incubation
No one can deny Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising many industries and education is no exception. It is clear that AI’s role in learning is expanding quickly, and AI is already transforming the way we learn and teach. On June 24th & 25th, 2024, in the picturesque setting of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, two innovative minds from @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre - Strathmore University, Maxwell Opondo and Lexi Syoluka, showcased their innovative ideas at the Global Learning Council’s Annual Meeting. This opportunity came after their exceptional performance in the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon, a program by the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre. Breaking Down Barriers with AI Maxwell’s Zerobionic aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities by utilising a robotic arm that translates signs and gestures into…
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@iLabAfrica Research Scholars Scoop 3rd place at the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) Innovation Challenge

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

Artificial Intelligence
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…
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Strathmore University Graduate Trainees in AI Capacity Building Program

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…
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@iLabAfrica unveils the 2nd Global Data Science and AI Summit.

@iLabAfrica unveils the 2nd Global Data Science and AI Summit.

Artificial Intelligence, Data Science
@iLabAfrica launched the 2nd Global Data Science and AI Summit (GDSAI) at Strathmore University on November 9, showcasing Kenya’s advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation. The summit was graced by distinguished guests, including: H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; Mene Wamkele, Secretary General at African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA); and Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica. Many prominent figures from various industries also attended the summit, which marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards embracing and advancing AI. Under the theme dubbed ‘Unlocking the Power of Big Data and AI, the summit provided valuable insights into data science and AI for individuals and organizations alike. During a precursor pre-launch of the GDSAI summit on November 7, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic…
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