JKUAT Hosts Regional HCI Workshop to Advance Research and Mentor Emerging Scholars
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is reinforcing its position as a leader in research and innovation through the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Workshop, a two-day event held on 22 nd and 23 rd July 2026.
The workshop brought together researchers, faculty, postgraduate students, designers, developers, innovators, and industry experts to explore how technology can be designed to serve people better while fostering collaboration and strengthening research capacity.
Through keynote addresses, technical sessions, research paper and poster presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops that explored emerging areas in Human-Computer Interaction, including user experience (UX), artificial intelligence, accessibility, digital health, education technologies, and the development of inclusive digital solutions to address real-world challenges.
A key highlight of the workshop was its focus on nurturing the next generation of researchers. Postgraduate students from JKUAT, the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), Moi University, and USIU-Africa presented their research, engaged with experts, and received mentorship from experienced academics and industry professionals.
The interactions provided opportunities for the students to refine their research, receive constructive feedback, build professional networks, and explore collaborative research initiatives. As digital transformation continues to reshape various sectors, discussions during the workshop emphasized the critical role of Human-Computer Interaction in developing technologies that are accessible, intuitive, and responsive to users’ needs. Participants highlighted the importance of designing solutions that improve lives while addressing societal challenges through innovation.
Research Engineer, Microsoft Research Africa shares her presentation on behalf of Dr. Jacki O’Neill
Director, Microsoft Research Africa
The workshop also highlighted JKUAT’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture by creating platforms where emerging scholars can learn from established researchers while contributing fresh perspectives to the field of Human-Computer Interaction. By bringing together academia and industry, the University continued to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and promote research that translates into practical solutions for society.
As technology continues to shape every aspect of modern life, Human-Computer Interaction plays an increasingly important role in ensuring digital solutions are accessible, intuitive, and responsive to users’ needs. Through initiatives such as this workshop, JKUAT is equipping researchers and innovators with the knowledge and partnerships needed to develop technologies that create meaningful societal impact.
The workshop was organized by Dr. Eunice Njeri, Founder of the JKUAT Social Robotics Lab; Prof. Stephen Kimani, Director, ICT; Dr. Jacki O’Neill, Director, Microsoft Research Africa; Dr.Petronilla Muthoni, Chair, Department of Computing; Dr. Isaac Oteyo, Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology; and Damaris Waema, Tutorial Fellow and PhD IT Candidate in the Department of Computing.
