Data Science - @iLabAfrica

03Jun 2025 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

@iLabAfrica, Prepares 100 Students for a Data-Driven World

Data Science

Data science has evolved from being just a buzzword to a powerful force shaping our daily lives and how businesses operate. In today's world, it is the force behind the way we shop, bank, and operate businesses. Imagine a situation where financial institutions can predict when a client is about to default, or even cancel their credit card before it happens. Better yet, what if a single patient record data point could lead to a life-saving discovery? Imagine researchers using data to uncover hidden patterns, predict health outcomes, and even design breakthrough treatments. Yes, this is how far data analytics can take modern medicine. At its core, data science is the art of turning raw information into meaningful insight. Using advanced algorithms and analytical techniques, it reveals trends, uncovers patterns,…

17Feb 2025 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Transforming Numbers into Narratives

Data Science

‘Irrespective of the career or degree you will take, it is important to understand how to harness information from data.’-Dr. John Olukuru. (Photo : Kevin Ngumu) The global big data analytics market is experiencing rapid growth, rising from a valuation of USD 307.51 billion in 2023 to a projected USD 348.21 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 924.39 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled data officers has doubled. To bridge this gap, @iLabAfrica’s Data Science department launched the 2025 Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization (CDAV) program with its first-ever orientation, led by Dr. John Olukuru, Head of Data Science and Analytics, aimed to equip students with essential digital literacy skills while fostering engagement among…

19Dec 2024 by @iLabAfrica

Breaking Boundaries: How The NMG Hackathon Winners Redefined Innovation

Data Science, The Nation Hackathon

In November, Strathmore University in collaboration with the Nation Media Group (NMG) hosted the inaugural Pre-summit hackathon ahead of the 3rd Annual Global Data and Artificial Intelligence Summit (GDSAI) to demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence can advance the creation, distribution, and consumption of media in the media industry. It brought together media enthusiasts, scholars, and professionals from various institutions including Strathmore University, ALX Africa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta University (KU), and Ipso, among others. Each team brought their best to the table, eager not only to claim the prize but also to demonstrate their prowess in creating new revenue streams, addressing market demands, and captivating audiences through the power of emerging technologies. Out of the 22 teams, three teams were crowned winners of the hackathon and…

29Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Revolutionizing African Analytics: @iLabAfrica partners with Kasi Insight

Data Science

In a pivotal move towards advancing data and analytics in Africa, @iLabAfrica- Strathmore University has partnered strategically with Kasi Insight, a leading force in consumer and economic intelligence. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 20th, 2024, embodies the beginning of a collaboration that vows to harness data for research, education, and innovation in transformative ways. Over the years Kenya has been seen as a hub of economic activity and innovation, providing fertile ground for this partnership. @iLabAfrica’s expertise in analytics, generative AI, and research on large language models (LLMs) align seamlessly with Kasi Insight’s robust data frameworks. Together, they will bridge the gap between raw data and actionable insights, benefiting students, researchers, and industries. The collaboration seeks to foster the following: Data-Driven Research: @iLabAfrica and Kasi…

28Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

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…

11Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

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…

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…

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…

11Jul 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Victor Nzioka’s Inspirational Return to School After 14 Years

Data Science

‘Imagine balancing a demanding job, intense coursework, and family life all at once – it was like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle!’ Meet Victor Nzioka, husband, Enterprise Manager at KWAL, girl dad, and recent graduate of Master in Data Science and Analytics to add to his long list of accomplishments. Victor’s journey is a testament to George Herbert’s famous quote, ‘Where there is a will there's a way.’ He returned to school after establishing himself in his career to pursue his passion for data science. A decision that many would shy away from further solidified Victor’s determination to pursue his passion despite facing adversity. Mr. Nzioka, a man of relentless activity, bestowed upon us a rare honor by sparing his valuable time to reflect and recount his journey…

26Jun 2024 by @iLabAfrica 3 Comments

Zaibu Juma: Eradicating Malaria Through Data Science

Data Science

Zaibu Juma is on a mission. A mission to eradicate malaria as stipulated in the 3rd UN Sustainable Development Goal, Good Health and Wellbeing. He is in the process of creating a deep-learning model that can be used to classify mosquito larvae as either microsporidium positive or negative. This is because microsporidia is a parasite known to hinder the development of plasmodium which causes malaria. The model can be accessed via a smartphone which records video data and then provides a classification report on the phone. ‘One of the reasons that inspired me to do this project is because malaria is a real problem in Kenya. It was one of the diseases that have been earmarked by Kenya's Mission 2030 and the United Nations' sustainable development goals and working on…

Category: Data Science