University
educators in Kenya are urging for a swift review of existing infrastructure in
higher education institutions to facilitate the seamless integration of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms and research. This call to action
emerged from a workshop co-organized by the Microsoft Africa Development Centre
(ADC) and the Kenya Education Network (KENET).
The
workshop explored the potential of AI to enhance teaching, learning, and
research in higher education, with Microsoft ADC Managing Director Catherine
Muraga stressing the importance of AI in the evolving classroom landscape. She indicated
public-private and private-private partnerships as a key solution to bridge
existing infrastructure gaps.
Discussions
focused on four major themes: AI skill development, improving pedagogy through
research, the role of AI in research, and infrastructure requirements for AI
adoption. KENET Executive Director Prof. Meoli Kashorda commended universities
for improving AI-related infrastructure and called for additional funding and
innovation to enhance capacity for AI adoption in academia.
The
workshop will culminate in a whitepaper on AI applications in higher education,
addressing challenges and developing recommendations for widespread adoption in
universities and colleges. This initiative is part of Microsoft ADC's efforts
to improve technical skills within and outside the technology ecosystem.
By
integrating AI in higher education, Kenya aims to enhance the quality of
education, improve research outcomes, and prepare students for a rapidly
changing job market. The urgent review of infrastructure will pave the way for
a seamless AI adoption, empowering universities to provide students with the
skills required to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
