Kenyan university educators are urging a review of current infrastructure in higher education to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence [AI] in classrooms and research. This was highlighted at a workshop by the Microsoft Africa Development Centre [ADC] and Kenya Education Network [KENET], focusing on AI’s potential to enhance education.
Microsoft ADC Managing Director, Catherine Muraga, stressed the significance of AI in modern education and suggested private-public partnerships to address infrastructure gaps. She noted that universities need infrastructure to collect and store local data for AI training, with government support essential for technology-related skills.
The workshop addressed themes like AI skill development, improving teaching methods through research, AI’s role in research, and necessary infrastructure for AI adoption. KENET’s executive director, Prof. Meoli Kashorda, praised universities’ progress in AI infrastructure but called for more funding and innovation to enhance AI capacity in academia. He emphasized the need for significant investment to scale AI use in research.
Educators at the event underscored the importance of continuous professional development to integrate AI into teaching. Discussions also highlighted the need for responsible AI development, inclusive policies, and guidelines for AI use in education. Prof. Kashorda mentioned KENET’s funding for AI case studies in teaching computer science, aiming to influence policy for AI adoption in universities.
The workshop will conclude with a white paper on AI in higher education, addressing challenges and providing recommendations. This initiative is part of Microsoft ADC’s efforts to enhance technical skills in the tech ecosystem.
