EDUCATIONISTS CALL FOR ALIGNMENT OF UNIVERSITY COURSES TO AI
Higher learning institutions have been challenged to undertake reforms which ensure that students acquire an academic foundation aligned with the modern digital evolution, especially the Artificial Intelligence (AI) skill.
Mount Kenya University board of directors Chairperson Prof. Simon Gicharu has particularly emphasised the need to embrace the Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses, saying that universities and colleges must be deliberate in incorporating AI modules in their teaching programs.
“Any student who leaves a higher education institution must have been well informed on matters of Artificial Intelligence because it can no longer be ignored,” said Prof. Gicharu who is also the KICD Chairperson.
According to the 2023 Oxford Insights AI Readiness Index, Kenya is ranked sixth in Africa in embracing the technology.
Prof. Gicharu was speaking during the launch of Mt Kenya University’s integrated Resource Planning (UnIRP) system which offers an end-to-end digital experience—from application to graduation—featuring mobile-first access, instant results, and smarter academic support systems. The system also supports data automation, digital archiving, and AI-powered decision support tools.
“The unveiling of the UnIRP system signals MKU’s desire to embrace a fully-fledged digital transformation and innovation on a scale that matches the students’ ambitions and the digital needs in the African continent,” said the educationist.
According to the University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, the future of education in the world is placed around the AI skill, which guarantees convenience, security and is student centered.
“By integrating AI, analytics, and secure technologies, we are not merely adapting to global trends—we are setting them. Our partnerships will bring cutting-edge tools to our faculty and students, from cloud-based research platforms to AI-driven learning modules,” he said.
The university has allocated a budget of Ksh 300 million towards digital transformation programs that relate with AI knowledge.
