Artificial intelligence is changing the way the world thinks, works, and solves problems, opening new possibilities for industries and communities alike. As Africa embraces this technological transformation, universities are playing a critical role in equipping young innovators with the skills to develop home-grown solutions using AI and robotics.
In this regard, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted the Robocon Kenya 2026 National Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Competition, bringing together students, academics, technology enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders to showcase innovative solutions addressing community and industrial challenges across Africa.
Organized by the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC) under the theme “Smart Solutions for Africa: Robotics and AI for Community and Industry Impact,” the competition provided a platform for young innovators to demonstrate practical applications of robotics and artificial intelligence while highlighting their growing potential to drive Africa’s technological and industrial development.
Speaking during the event that was attended by over 20 High schools and institutions of higher learning, the guest speaker Prof. Victoria Ngumi, the Vice Chancellor JKUAT underscored the importance of equipping young people with practical technological skills that can contribute to sustainable development and economic transformation. She noted that universities have a critical role to play in nurturing innovation by creating opportunities for students to move beyond theoretical learning and apply their knowledge to challenges facing society.
“The Robocon is an innovation initiative aimed at providing students from primary and secondary schools, technical and vocational (TVET) institutions, universities and innovation teams with a practical platform to develop and demonstrate robotics and Artificial Intelligence solutions for real-world challenges. It provides an opportunity to make that transition from learning technology to creating with technology,” said Prof. Ngumi.
The Deputy Secretary General of Kenya National Commission to UNESCO (KNATCOM) Dr. Joel Ongoto commended JKUAT for hosting Robocon Kenya 2026 and creating a platform where young people could demonstrate how robotics and artificial intelligence can be applied to address real challenges facing communities and industries.
He emphasized the importance of science, technology, engineering and innovation in advancing Africa’s development agenda. He encouraged young innovators to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics as tools for addressing challenges in communities and industries.
“There is need for stronger partnerships among universities, government institutions, industry and research organizations to create an enabling environment for innovation such collaboration would help young innovators access mentorship, research opportunities, resources and pathways to take promising ideas from the laboratory and classroom into communities and the marketplace,” said Dr. Ongoto.
The Principal COETEC, Prof. Hirum Nderitu emphasized that institutions of higher learning have a responsibility to equip students with both technical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills that enable them to respond to the needs of society. Further noting that robotics and artificial intelligence present significant opportunities for young engineers to develop solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency and the quality of life across African communities.
“I’d like to encourage students to embrace innovation, experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration, observing that many of Africa’s challenges require solutions that combine engineering expertise with knowledge from other fields. Students should view competitions such as Robocon not merely as opportunities to compete, but as platforms for learning, networking, building confidence and testing their ideas against real-world challenges,” said Prof. Nderitu.
The event ended with Alliance High School emerging the winners of the competition and the Thika School for the blind took the second position in the highly competitive event.
Robocon Kenya 2026 showcased the creativity and technical capabilities of young people through robotics and AI-based innovations. Participants demonstrated solutions designed to address practical challenges, reflecting the growing interest among Kenyan youth in emerging technologies.
The event also provided participants with an opportunity to interact, exchange ideas and learn from fellow innovators, educators and technology stakeholders. Beyond competition and demonstrations, Robocon Kenya 2026 served as a platform for encouraging collaboration, problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking among the next generation of African technology leaders.
With its focus on smart solutions for Africa, Robocon Kenya 2026 demonstrated that the continent’s young innovators are not only consumers of emerging technologies but can also become creators of solutions capable of making a tangible impact on communities and industries.
