JKUAT Champions Practice-Driven AI Research for Africa’s Sustainable Development.
By Velper Odero
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), through JHUB Africa, conducted a two-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference and Research Workshop on 9th and 10th April 2026 at the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD).
The event brought together researchers, innovators, students, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts to examine how artificial intelligence can address Africa’s development challenges through practical, research-driven innovation. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and discussions on building an AI ecosystem capable of delivering sustainable solutions across the continent.
The workshop explored key pillars for strengthening Africa’s AI research ecosystem, including talent development, robust data ecosystems, Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), responsible AI practices, and domain-specific applications.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Lawrence Nderu challenged participants to view artificial intelligence as more than a technological tool, describing it as a capability that requires investment in people, research, and partnerships. He emphasized that Africa presents immense opportunities for AI innovation and urged institutions to adopt a practice-driven approach that transforms research into scalable solutions with measurable social and economic impact.
Among the key areas of focus was agriculture, where artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming farming through precision agriculture, crop disease detection, predictive analytics, and smart farming systems. These technologies have the potential to increase productivity, enhance food security, and build resilience to climate change. Locally developed innovations such as Smart Nyuki further demonstrated how AI can be applied to solve community challenges while supporting research, innovation, and commercialization.
The two-day conference showcased JKUAT’s commitment to advancing practice-driven AI research while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, government, and innovation partners. Through such initiatives, the University continues to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, nurture emerging AI talent, and promote the development of responsible, locally relevant technologies that contribute to Africa’s sustainable development.
