Kabarak University continues to champion inclusive innovation in STEM education with the official inauguration of the second cohort of the ENabling Girls in AI and Growing Expertise (ENGAGE) Program in Data Science. The event, held on campus at the School of Law boardroom, welcomed 20 bright and ambitious young women into the transformative program.
This inauguration follows the recent launch of the ENGAGE Project’s Tier 2 & 3 training, a significant milestone supported by a grant from Takeda. The project is implemented through a regional partnership involving six universities, with Kabarak University playing a key role. The broader initiative aims to empower 120 underprivileged young women across Kenya with advanced skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Data Science, and Public Health.
Speaking during the inauguration, Prof. Pamela Kimetto, the Regional Program Coordinator and Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, highlighted the University's commitment to shaping the future of female leaders in data science. She was joined by Prof. John Ochola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), who represented Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiptiony Kiplangat, a strong advocate for the program who also addressed the national hybrid launch ceremony hosted virtually by Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST).
In his remarks during the Tier 2 & 3 national launch, Prof. Kiplangat emphasized that the ENGAGE Project is not just a training program, but a powerful movement to "write the code that influences health policy." He reaffirmed Kabarak University's role in driving gender equity, innovation, and the development of data-driven solutions for public health.
The second cohort at Kabarak will now embark on a rigorous month-long training program from August 4th to 31st, 2025, mentored by experts from partner institutions including the University of Nairobi, UCSF, and other regional hubs. Participants will receive training tailored to strengthen their technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, equipping them to make meaningful contributions in AI, data science, and healthcare systems.
As the ENGAGE Program continues to grow, it reinforces Kabarak University’s reputation as a hub for academic excellence, innovation, and gender equity in STEM. We proudly stand alongside our regional partners in transforming lives and shaping a more inclusive digital future.
