Kabarak University, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and the University of California, San Francisco, proudly launched the Enabling Girls in AI and Growing Expertise (ENGAGE) in Data Science Project. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by a grant from Takeda, aims to empower young women in Kenya with the skills and knowledge to excel in the rapidly evolving field of data science.
The launch event was graced by distinguished guests, including Prof. Julius Oyugi, Principal Investigator of the ENGAGE in Data Science Project and Director of Research at the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, representing Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. Dr. Penina Masibo, representing the University of California, San Francisco, and Dr. Pamela Kimeto, Regional Coordinator of the ENGAGE in Data Science Project and Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Kabarak University, also attended the event. The presence of trainers, mentors, and the dedicated project team highlighted the collective effort behind this initiative.
In his opening remarks, Kabarak University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, emphasized the importance of the ENGAGE Project. He commended the University of Nairobi for its partnership and vision in selecting Kabarak University as a key collaborator for this transformative project in the Rift Valley region. He reflected on the fruitful relationship between the two institutions, which began in 2020 with a joint research project on health information systems. This collaboration has already yielded significant benefits, improving healthcare access and fostering partnerships within Baringo and Nakuru Counties.
A highlight of the event was the generous donation of computers, laptops, and projectors worth 2.5 million Kenyan shillings, intended to support the project’s training and outreach efforts. This contribution underscores the commitment of Kabarak University and its partners to provide the necessary tools and resources to ensure the project’s success.
The ENGAGE Project is set to address gender disparities in the data science field by establishing a public health-focused machine learning training program specifically for girls and young women. This initiative will not only provide technical skills but also foster leadership and career mentorship, empowering participants to influence health policies and decisions. Prof. Kiplangat reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting this critical project, recognizing its potential to create lasting impact and elevate the role of women in the STEM fields.
As the event concluded, the stage was set for the next phase of this exciting project. The ENGAGE in Data Science Project promises to be a beacon of opportunity, driving innovation and inclusivity in technology and public health. Kabarak University looks forward to the transformative journey ahead, as they work alongside their esteemed partners.
