Category: 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…

“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…

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…

‘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…

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…

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…

SUAFI program graduates pose for a celebratory photo. Nairobi. The Strathmore University-Absa Financial Innovation (SUAFI) Program celebrated its first COHORT of graduates from the program. The partnership between @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University and ABSA Bank Limited oversaw the graduation of 105 ABSA Bank employees from the SUAFI program. The selected trainees, chosen from 500 applicants, were required to complete a mandatory Agile and Scrum Methodology course before specialising in their respective fields of deployment. The engaging training programme, which started in April 2023, got the trainees embarking on courses in Cybersecurity, Data Science, Business Intelligence, and DevOps & Automation. Dr Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre, cited the importance of the program, noting, “As a research centre of excellence in ICT innovation and development, we are proud to be…