What an energizing day at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)! On July 23, 2025, we held the highly anticipated recruitment exercise for the second cohort of the ENGAGE Project, and the passion, talent, and potential on display left us all inspired.
We were thrilled to witness bright young women from across the region step forward to claim their space in AI for Public Health. The day featured two key components:
- A Competitive Maths Contest: Testing critical thinking and problem-solving skills – the bedrock of scientific excellence.
- Needs Assessment Interviews: A crucial step to understand each candidate’s aspirations, challenges, and how ENGAGE can best support them to impact the health of their communities.
Leadership that inspires
We were truly honoured by the presence of Prof. Julius Oyugi, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the ENGAGE Project and Director University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases. His leadership and commitment to empowering women in AI for Public Health across Kenya set the tone for the day. His insights and encouragement underscored the national importance of this project and its alignment with Kenya’s vision for inclusive technological advancement.
Why this is an important project
The ENGAGE Project (implemented by the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases and the University of California San Francisco) is more than just scholarships. It’s about holistically transforming lives. It provides:
👉 Comprehensive scholarships for talented yet economically disadvantaged young women.
👉 Academic support & mentorship (like the role I’m privileged to play!) to navigate university challenges.
👉 Leadership & soft skills development to create well-rounded future leaders.
👉 A powerful, supportive community fostering resilience and ambition.
Recruiting this second cohort at JOOUST marks a significant expansion of this vital mission. These young women aren’t just joining a program; they’re joining a movement dedicated to shattering barriers and proving that Kenyan women are forces to be reckoned with in science, technology and public health.
Looking Ahead
Congratulations to all the incredible young women who participated with such determination! The selection process was rigorous, reflecting the high calibre of talent we seek to nurture. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the successful candidates into the ENGAGE family pretty soon.
As mentors, faculty, and supporters, our work intensifies now; to guide, empower, and champion these future innovators as they embark on their transformative journeys at JOOUST.
Here’s to Cohort 2 at JOOUST – may your curiosity burn bright and your impact make a difference!
Dr. Eric Ogola is a Trainer with the ENGAGE Project and a Lecturer at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
