Africa risks being left behind in yet another global technological revolution unless its universities and students take the lead in developing locally relevant artificial intelligence solutions, Microsoft Research has warned.
The appeal was made by Mr. Ade Famoti, Global Senior Director of Research Incubations at Microsoft Research, when he paid a courtesy call to JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi on Friday, May 15, 2026.
He cautioned that Africa cannot afford to remain on the consumption side of the AI revolution, stressing that artificial intelligence is not just a passing trend, and that the continent’s universities must take a leading role in shaping the next wave of innovations.
Mr. Famoti said artificial intelligence has the capacity to disrupt traditional systems and significantly improve efficiency across sectors, noting that its true value lies in practical deployment rather than theoretical engagement. He added that AI, when properly harnessed, can become a key driver of productivity gains and contribute directly to raising Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through improved efficiency, innovation, and value creation across the economy.
According to him, meaningful AI development should begin within academic institutions, where students and researchers are best placed to generate ideas, test solutions, and build technologies tailored to societal challenges.
He further emphasized that AI innovations must be anchored on locally relevant problems, particularly within the Kenyan and African context, so that solutions directly respond to the needs of the market and society.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi highlighted JKUAT’s strength in computing, engineering, agriculture, health sciences, and applied research, noting that this foundation places the institution in a strong position to co-develop relevant and scalable AI solutions with global partners.
She further stated that the university has already begun building internal readiness for the AI era, including the organization of targeted artificial intelligence training for members of the University Council and Senate to strengthen institutional capacity and leadership understanding of emerging technologies.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) noted that JKUAT’s strong capacity in IBM certifications, Huawei ICT Academy programmes, Cisco networking training, Microsoft-linked digital skills initiatives, and emerging Internet of Things (IoT) development gives the university a distinct edge in preparing students for the evolving digital economy.
Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Prof. Daniel Sila, invited Mr. Ade Famoti and his team to support the university through training programmes, drawing on their extensive experience in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Founder of JHub, said JKUAT has developed strong capacity in artificial intelligence, innovation, and applied research, positioning the university as a leading hub for developing locally relevant digital solutions. He added that JKUAT continues to nurture student-led innovation through platforms such as JHub, where ideas are translated into practical solutions for real-world challenges.
Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Productions and Extension, Prof. Hiram Ndiritu, and Principal of the College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Prof. George Thiong’o also took part in the discussions.
During the forum, areas of collaboration such as artificial intelligence policy and governance, teaching and talent development, joint research, and innovation and commercialization were discussed, with both JKUAT and Microsoft Research expressing commitment to deepen engagement in these strategic fields.
