NIRU Crowns AI Hackathon Winners as Kenya Boosts Innovation

The National Intelligence Research University (NIRU) has announced winners of its 2025 National AI Hackathon, highlighting Kenya’s growing pipeline of tech solutions for jobs, security, and economic growth.
Caroline Gakii, Daniel Maitethia, and Ezekiel Otieno from Meru University of Science and Technology won the top prize of KSh 2 million for developing a low-cost AI-powered digital microscope to improve cancer and malaria diagnosis.
Joshua Radula of Strathmore University emerged second with an AI sign language translator, while Kelvin Mulama placed third with a financial fraud detection system.
Speaking at the event, NIRU Vice Chancellor Dr. James Kibon said the hackathon is focused on turning ideas into real-world solutions. Board Chairman Nordin Hajji noted the initiative supports national technological independence.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen praised the innovations for their potential to create jobs and drive economic growth whereby he recommended police recruitment and investigations to be aided via AI.
The competition attracted over 5,600 participants and 2,500 submissions, with solutions spanning sectors such as security, agriculture, and public service delivery.
 Kenya is among many countries that are embracing AI technology in diverse sectors to improve service delivery.

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