A specialized university, with the mandate to train on intelligence studies and security research.

Kenya
Joined March 2025
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS (AJSSS) The African Journal of Strategic and Security Studies (AJSSS) invites researchers, academics and practitioners to submit abstracts on: “Intelligence Studies and Research in Africa: Prospects and Challenges.” Contribute research on key issues including AI, cyber intelligence, counterterrorism, early warning, intelligence governance, geopolitics and human rights. 📅 Deadline: 30 September 2026 📩 Submit: [email protected] Shape the conversation on Africa’s intelligence and security future. #AJSSS #CallForAbstracts @NDUKenya @uonbi @ICJKenya @StrathU
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Have you submitted your abstract yet? The Call for Abstracts for the upcoming edited volume, "Kenya's Peace Diplomacy in the Eastern Africa Region," is still open. We continue to welcome submissions from diplomats, scholars, researchers, policy analysts, peace practitioners, and commentators interested in examining Kenya's role in advancing peace, mediation, and regional stability across Eastern Africa. From Mozambique to Somalia, and from Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this volume seeks fresh perspectives on Kenya's diplomatic engagement and the future of African-led peacebuilding. Submit your abstract through the email: [email protected] For the full Call for Abstracts and submission guidelines, read more here: jumpshare.com/share/X3KfDzmD… #CallforAbstracts
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DPP Commends NIRU’s AI Push in National Development The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga CBS, OGW has lauded the National Intelligence Research University (NIRU) for its forward-thinking initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Kenya’s national development agenda. Speaking during the culmination of the AI Hackathon 2025, the DPP praised the university for fostering innovation and creating a platform that empowers young minds to contribute practical technological solutions to national challenges. The event attracted an impressive 2,600 proposals from participants across the country, all competing for the grand prize of Ksh. 2,000,000. The DPP emphasized that embracing AI is critical for enhancing efficiency in governance, strengthening security systems, and driving economic growth. He noted that initiatives such as the hackathon align with the country’s broader vision of leveraging technology to improve public service delivery and national competitiveness. “This initiative demonstrates the power of innovation in shaping the future of our nation. By investing in Artificial Intelligence, we are not only preparing for tomorrow but actively building it,” the DPP remarked. The event drew attendance from key government officials and stakeholders. Among those present were the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination, Kipchumba Murkomen, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Service Noordin Haji, alongside Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola. The leaders collectively underscored the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector in harnessing emerging technologies for national progress. They highlighted AI’s potential in areas such as security intelligence, public administration, healthcare, and economic planning. The NIRU AI Hackathon 2025 marks an important milestone in Kenya’s innovation landscape, positioning the country as a growing hub for technological advancement in the region. Organizers expressed optimism that many of the ideas generated during the competition would evolve into scalable solutions capable of addressing real-world challenges. As Kenya continues to invest in digital transformation, initiatives like NIRU’s hackathon signal a strong commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and driving sustainable development through technology. #HakiNaUsawa
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Artificial Intelligence is transforming how nations develop their economies, deliver public services, and secure the future. It’s reshaping and strengthening institutions while building safety in our digital space. This morning, I was honored to join the National Intelligence Research University (NIRU) community and to preside over the 𝗡𝗜𝗥𝗨 𝗔𝗜 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻 Finals and Award Ceremony held in Nairobi. I commend the University for coming up with this initiative that brings together innovators, institutions, and industries to advance the role of emerging technologies in national development and security. Kenya is at a turning point, as innovation will be key to ensuring our country's security, growing the economy, and progressing both locally and globally. The NIRU AI Hackathon's success not only demonstrates the depth of talent at the highest levels but also reflects the ongoing growth of the innovation ecosystem. The scale of this initiative is remarkable, attracting raw talent across Kenya with over 2,000 proposals submitted, 185 innovations shortlisted and mentored into Minimum Viable Products, and 60 finalists progressing to the final stage. Thumbs up to Noordin Haji SC., Director General of the National Intelligence Service, and his team for spearheading innovation within the national security ecosystem. With their dedication to safeguarding our nation, the agency continues to deepen its understanding of the relationship between intelligence, technology, and national security. Congratulations to the finalists and all participants. Your efforts contribute to practical solutions supporting national development and security. In the event were distinguished leaders, including: Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation; Justice Isaac Lenaola, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya; Renson Ingonga, Director of Public Prosecutions; Dr. James Kabon, Vice Chancellor NIRU; Lorna Ogolla, Partnerships Lead of Google Research (ML/AI) Africa, among others.
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Honoured to join CS @kipmurkomen during the AI Hackathon awards ceremony @niru_kenya. Congratulations to all winners. Today was clear indication that we are thinking outside the box- looking at innovative ways addressing societal issues including - safety and security for socioeconomic impact. What is remaining now is to upscale innovation towards commercialization through adequate funding. @nacosti @nrfkenya @KENIAupdates We must continue to use home grown innovation to address challenges of our society. Our youth 🇰🇪 have talents and are co-pilots on the trajectory to Singapore Way under HE President Dr @WilliamsRuto. Well done DG Noordin Haji for your transformative leadership. @sri_kenya @MusaliaMudavadi #NIRUAiHackathon
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Kenya’s Next-Gen AI Innovators Have Arrived! The National Intelligence Research University (NIRU) has officially crowned the winners of the 2025 National AI Hackathon! This incredible journey attracted over 5,600 registrations and 2,500 submissions, proving that Kenya is a powerhouse of digital talent. From healthcare to financial integrity, these brilliant minds are transforming innovation from ideas into real-world applications. Meet the Winners Overall Winners: Caroline Gakii, Daniel Maitethia, and Ezekiel Otieno (Meru University of Science and Technology) Project: Low-Cost AI-Powered Digital Microscope for Cancer and Malaria Diagnosis Prize: KSh 2,000,000 First Runner-Up: Joshua Radula (Strathmore University) Project: “Word 2 Sign” — translating speech/text into sign language for the deaf community Prize: KSh 750,000 Second Runner-Up: Kelvin Mulama Project: “Veritas AI” — autonomous intelligence for financial fraud detection Prize: KSh 500,000 Building the Future As NIRU Vice Chancellor Dr. James Kibon noted, this isn’t just a competition—it’s a pipeline for deployable solutions in sectors like security, agriculture, and public service. With support from the NIRU Board and national leadership, including CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya is strengthening its technological self-reliance and economic resilience. Congratulations to all the participants and the judging panel led by Ali Hussein Kassim for identifying solutions that will drive Kenya’s digital transformation! #NIRUAIHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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WE DID IT AGAIN! Big congratulations to Dr. Daniel Maitethia, alongside Ezekiel Otieno and Caroline Gakii, for emerging WINNERS at the @niru_kenya AI Hackathon held at Safari Park! Their winning innovation: “A Low-Cost AI-Powered Digital Microscope for Accessible Cancer and Malaria Diagnosis in Kenya” Out of 2,500+ submissions, their project stood out for its real impact, using AI to make healthcare diagnosis more accessible, affordable and life-saving. From mentorship sessions to pitching before top industry experts… they showed up, delivered, and brought the trophy home! This is innovation. This is impact. This is MUST. must.ac.ke/meru-university-t… #MeruUnivesity #Innovation #AIForGood #HealthcareInnovation #MUST #TeamWork #KenyaInnovates #WinningMindset
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Overall Winner Award Sustainable Development and Economic Innovation Track Winning Team: Caroline Gakii, Daniel Maitethia Memeu, Ezekiel Otieno Solution-A Low-Cost AI-Powered Digital Microscope for Accessible Cancer and Malaria Diagnosis in Kenya Cash Prize: ksh 2,000,000 #NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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Overall Runner-Up Award Sustainable Development and Economic Innovation Track Winning Individual: Joshua Radula Solution-Word2Sign - An AI-powered solution that translates spoken or written words into sign language to improve accessibility for the deaf community Cash Prize: ksh 750,000 #NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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Overall 2nd Runner-Up Award Sustainable Development and Economic Innovation Track Winning Individual: omega mwebia Makena Solution- VERITAS AI- Autonomous Intelligence for Financial Fraud Detection and National Financial Integrity Cash Prize: ksh 500,000 #NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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Female Individual Award Sustainable Development and Economic Innovation Winning Individual: omega mwebia Makena Solution- Scarcity AI Cash Prize: ksh 400,000 #NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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Generative and Agentic AI Track Winning Team: Rewel Mumbo & Pauline Odanga Solution- Rewel AI Labs: Kenya’s First No Code/ Vibe Coding Platform for Contextual Generativeand Agentic AI. Cash Prize: ksh 400,000 #NIRUAiHackathon AI For National Prosperity
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Cybersecurity and Data Protection Track Individual Winner: Sharon Njeri Sentinel AI: A Real-Time Cyber-Physical Threat Intelligence Platform for Critical Infrastructure Cash Prize: ksh 400,000 #NIRUAiHackathon AI For National Prosperity
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Governance, Public Policy & Political Stability Track Winner: Mulika AI - An AI tool designed to improve transparency and accountability in the Public Tendering and Procurement processes. Cash Prize: ksh 400,000 #NIRUAiHackathon AI For National Prosperity
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And Now.... #NIRUAiHackathon AI For National Prosperity
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"AI is shaping the future of humanity, and its effects will be felt in every sector - from business to governance, to social systems. Decisions made today, particularly in policy and technology, will affect the lives of millions. We must ensure that AI serves the greater good, balancing innovation with ethics and accountability." Hon. Justice Isaac Lenaola, CBS, SCJ Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya. #NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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"As we explore AI, our approach must be open-minded. We must connect, collaborate, and innovate in ways that benefit both individuals and society. AI is not about changing perspectives - it’s about improving lives, creating economic opportunities, and securing our nation." Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation in Kenya’s Ministry of Education #NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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"I would like to take a brief moment to congratulate the Vice Chancellor and the leadership of this great university for taking the initiative to host this remarkable AI event. The events we are witnessing are vivid examples of innovation and progress. I am truly grateful to all of you who have contributed to making this possible." Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW - Director of Public Prosecutions Office (ODPP) #NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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#NIRUAiHackathon #AI For National Prosperity
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