JKUAT’s Partnership with Microsoft to Strengthen Postgraduate Research – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*The teams hold discussions during the visit*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Microsoft have renewed commitment to deepen cooperation on training and research touching on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). This was revealed during a courtesy call on the JKUAT Vice Chancellor by Director of Microsoft Research Africa, Dr. Jacki O’Neill on Wednesday September 10, 2025.

Dr. O’Neill said that the already existing partnership between the two organizations provide a rich ecosystem for synergy of ideas and resources to deliver technologies that can propel the development of Kenya and Africa at large.

*Prof. Bernard Ikua (right) interacts with Dr. Jacki O’Neill (center) and Prof. Melissa Densmore during the courtesy call*

She added that Microsoft was keen to support post-graduate education particularly at doctorate levels to help students better harness the power of artificial intelligence and its adoption in Africa. Microsoft, she noted, was eager to harvest the progressive aspects of AI, to make Africa and the rest of the world better.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua received the Microsoft official at JKUAT on behalf Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi. In a speech delivered by Prof. Ikua, the Vice Chancellor lauded the solid partnership between JKUAT and Microsoft, noting that it had yielded remarkable successes.

Through the partnership with Microsoft Africa Development Centre, Prof. Ngumi noted that JKUAT was able to review curricula for its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Computer Technology; introducing cutting-edge concepts like Applied Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, Quantum Computing, and User Experience Design.

“By integrating industry-standard tools and practical skill development, we have ensured our graduates are globally competitive, ready to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving tech industry,” Prof. Ngumi said.

The partnership with Microsoft has also facilitated staff capacity building, enabling them to integrate AI into teaching and inspire students for future job markets.

“By combining JKUAT’s academic expertise with Microsoft Research Africa’s cutting-edge resources, we can pioneer innovative solutions in AI, data science, and digital technologies tailored to Africa’s challenges,” Prof. Ngumi said.

Dr. O’Neill was accompanied to JKUAT by Prof. Melissa Densmore from the Department of Computer Science at University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa.

Also present at the meeting were Prof. Stephen Kimani, Director ICT and Prof. Agnes Mindila, Director of the School of Computing and Information Technology, among others.