Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has taken a significant step towards advancing higher education and agricultural innovation through artificial intelligence (AI) following the implementation of a Cooperation Agreement with the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE).
The milestone was marked by a high-level courtesy call on Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi by representatives from International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI), underscoring the partners’ shared commitment to digital transformation, innovation and international collaboration in higher education.
The visit marked a key milestone in implementing the initiative that promotes digital transformation, innovation and international collaboration in higher education.
Discussions focused on the rollout of the AI+ AgriTech Programme, an initiative that will integrate artificial intelligence into agricultural and technological education, research and innovation. The programme is expected to equip students, researchers and faculty with advanced digital competencies while fostering the development of AI-driven solutions to address emerging challenges in agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor during the meeting, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension (RPE), Prof. Jackson Kwanza, reaffirmed JKUAT’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in technology-driven education, research and innovation.
He said the partnership aligns with the University’s strategic vision of producing graduates capable of solving real-world challenges through innovation while contributing to Kenya’s national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“The AI+ AgriTech Programme presents an important opportunity to bridge technology and agriculture. By embracing artificial intelligence, we are equipping our students and researchers to develop innovative solutions that will enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture and improve livelihoods,” said Prof. Kwanza.
The Director of the School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT), Dr. Agnes Mindila, said the collaboration will create multidisciplinary learning opportunities by bringing together expertise in computing, data science, engineering and agriculture. She noted that integrating AI into technology and agricultural training will drive innovation in precision farming, climate-smart agriculture, predictive analytics, crop monitoring and digital extension services.
Dr. Mindila further noted that JKUAT’s AI Policy provides a framework for the responsible adoption and use of artificial intelligence in teaching, research and innovation.
“Through our AI Policy, JKUAT is committed to harnessing AI responsibly while equipping students and staff with the knowledge and skills to maximize its benefits in a sustainable and ethical manner,” she said.
Thanking JKUAT for its partnership, the Chief of the IIOE Management Centre, Mr. Zian Cas, commended the University for its commitment to innovation and digital transformation, noting that it is well positioned to become a model for AI-enabled education in Africa.
“The International Institute of Online Education seeks to empower universities by strengthening digital teaching capacity, promoting open educational resources and expanding access to quality education through emerging technologies,” said Mr. Cas.
Through the partnership, JKUAT is expected to benefit from international knowledge exchange, capacity-building programmes, collaborative research, faculty development and access to global digital learning resources. The AI+ AgriTech Programme will also strengthen industry partnerships and support the commercialization of research and innovations with the potential to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector.
The collaboration positions JKUAT among leading institutions embracing digital transformation to equip graduates with future-ready skills while reinforcing the role of universities as drivers of innovation, research excellence and sustainable development.
