The conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of higher education in Kenya is underway!
Co-sponsored by the DAAD and the Commission for University Education (CUE), the Policy Dialogue on the Development of an Artificial Intelligence Framework for Higher Education in Kenya is bringing together key stakeholders from 18–20 August 2026 at the CBK Institute of Monetary Studies, Ruaraka, Nairobi.
The three-day dialogue is exploring the opportunities, risks and policy considerations surrounding AI in higher education, with the aim of generating strategic insights and recommendations towards a coherent, responsible and context-sensitive AI framework for Kenya’s higher education sector.
At the heart of the discussions is a critical question:
How can Kenya shape AI’s transformation of universities responsibly and strategically?
During the opening discussions, Prof. Mike Kuria, CEO of CUE, challenged stakeholders to think about Kenya’s role in the AI landscape: “If you want a piece of the cake, you must be part of the production table.”
Without strategic direction, Kenya risks having its AI agenda shaped by others, losing research competitiveness and missing opportunities to use AI to address Kenyan challenges.
Dr. Dorothee Weyler, Director of the DAAD Regional Office Nairobi highlighted the importance of Responsible AI, applied research and ethical AI, while emphasising the value of collaboration across institutions and borders.
Mr. Darius Mogaka, Director of Higher Education Ministry in Kenya, challenged participants to consider an important question:
How can AI unlock the capacity that already exists within our universities?
In his keynote address, Prof. Madara Ogot of Ubuntunet Alliance reminded participants: "AI should be your assistant—not your brain.”
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in teaching, learning, research and assessment, universities must ensure that human judgement, critical thinking, ethics and academic integrity remain at the centre.
The dialogue is also drawing lessons from AI policy approaches in other countries, asking what Kenya should adopt, adapt, reject or explore further.
The objective is clear: to move from dialogue to action and contribute to an AI policy framework that responds to Kenya’s realities while positioning its higher education sector for the future.
AI will transform higher education. The question is: Will Kenya shape that transformation—or allow it to shape us?
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