Kabarak University once again stood at the forefront of academic excellence, hosting the 15th International Research Conference for the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SSET) from 10th to 11th July 2025 at the Bethel Auditorium, Main Campus. This significant event brought together a diverse community of researchers, innovators, students, and industry leaders from Kenya and beyond to share ideas and explore solutions across three key thematic areas: Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Pure & Applied Sciences, and Environment & Energy Technology.
Held in a hybrid format that combined in-person sessions with online streaming, the two-day conference opened with a thought-provoking address by Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, who underscored the university’s mission to integrate holistic, Christian-based education with cutting-edge research. He emphasized that the conference was more than an academic gathering; it was a platform for disciplines to converge, for partnerships to be forged, and for innovative solutions to emerge in response to some of the most urgent challenges facing society today.
One of the highlights was the Kabarak University International Conference on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, themed “Development, Deployment, and Adoption of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Solutions.” Participants examined how AI and data science are transforming fields such as agriculture, healthcare, education, urban planning, and governance. Keynote speaker Prof. Ciira Maina, Director of the Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, shared valuable insights into the opportunities and ethical dilemmas posed by rapid advances in AI across Africa.
Among the notable projects showcased was “GasGuard,” an AI-powered gas leak detection system developed by Kabarak University students Mercy Jemeli and Felix Masigwa under the mentorship of Dr. Phillip Nyawere and Dr. Andrew Kipkebut. This innovation, recently presented at the AI Everything Global 2025 Exhibition in the UAE, demonstrated Kabarak’s growing reputation as a hub for impactful technological solutions. Presentations also included blockchain-based incentive systems for rare blood donors, intelligent curriculum alignment tools to bridge digital skills gaps, and AI-enhanced learning models that promise to improve outcomes in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The Pure & Applied Sciences sessions, organized under the theme “Recent Advances in Research in Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Applications,” highlighted discoveries and innovations with the potential to drive sustainable growth and improve public health. Researchers discussed topics such as antifungal compounds derived from indigenous plants, nanomaterials for water purification, thin-film technologies for efficient solar cells, and smart energy management systems. These studies underscored the critical role of fundamental sciences in fueling technological progress and solving real-world problems.
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of this year’s conference was the focus on Environment and Energy Technology, themed “Enhancing Environmental Resilience for Food Production and Energy Sustainability.” Sessions integrated scientific research with theological reflection and ethical inquiry. Presenters examined how faith and science together can guide more sustainable practices in agriculture, conservation, and community development. Topics ranged from ecosystem-based adaptation and climate-smart agriculture inspired by biblical models to the role of indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship. Faith-inspired frameworks grounded in Proverbs 6 and Psalms 24 illustrated how theological perspectives can enrich conversations about sustainability and justice.
The conference featured high-impact research from both faculty and students addressing urgent challenges such as deforestation, waste management, sustainable energy, biodiversity loss, and water security.
Dr. Caroline Chepkirui, Acting Dean of SSET, who represented Prof. Peter Rugiri, highlighted the School’s commitment to preparing graduates who combine technical expertise with integrity and purpose. “Grounded in Biblical Christian values and academic excellence, we take pride in equipping our students not only to excel professionally but to lead with character and vision,” she said.
Through vibrant discussions, student colloquiums, and knowledge sharing, Kabarak University continues to nurture a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators dedicated to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges, ethically, collaboratively, and sustainably.
