Machakos University inks deal for AI training and research

Machakos University.[File,Standard]

Machakos University has entered into an agreement with a China-based college aimed at offering artificial intelligence training.

Building on a successful four-year collaboration with the Konza Technopolis Development Authority and Tianjin Vocational College of China, the university is hosting the Luban Workshop.

The Luban workshop—a prestigious facility marking a significant milestone as the second institution in Africa, following South Africa, to house such a globally acclaimed center.

Notably, this workshop marks Machakos University as the second institution in Africa, after South Africa, to host such a world-class facility.

The Luban Workshop, developed in conjunction with Tianjin City Vocational College and supported by the Chinese government, offers an exceptional platform for Kenyan students and beyond. 

It focuses on providing training in high-tech fields like cloud computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Professor Joyce Agalo, the Vice Chancellor of Machakos University, said that the workshop not only provides infrastructure for technical education but also fosters an environment for students to innovate in computing and engineering. 

Students have been actively engaged in projects involving IoT for waste and water management, smart agriculture utilizing artificial intelligence, and mobile applications aiding transitions between education levels.

The partnership has so far seen students from Machakos university presented with an award for developing a mobile application, "Blind Eye," designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings.

This innovation received recognition for its artificial intelligence technology and overall excellence at the Inter-University hackathon.

Expanding its collaborations, Machakos University has established JUM Lab, collaborating with various entities like Ajira Digital and the Kenya Youth Employment Program. 

JUM Lab aims to facilitate online job access, both locally and internationally, for students and graduates.

This initiative isn't limited to academic pursuits; it aims to have a broader societal impact.

Plans are underway to involve government bodies like the ICT Authority, potentially turning the workshop into a center for training various teams.

The workshop has also been instrumental in creating a digital employment bureau, offering crucial support to students and graduates seeking employment opportunities.