On August 2nd, 2024, Pwani University in Kilifi County hosted a delegation from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Nairobi (UoN) as the sixth and the last university to receive resources to support the ENGAGE project pilot training. The ENGAGE project aims to build capacity in girls and improve knowledge of health data outcomes through artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.

The event began with a meeting in the boardroom where all parties acquainted themselves with one another. Professor Julius Oyugi, representing UoN Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama, delivered remarks highlighting the project’s focus on using AI and data science to improve public health and bridge the gender gap in the data science field within the public health sector. Country Director Global Programs for Research and Training an Affiliate of University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Dr. Koki Kinagwi reiterated the commitment to collaboration between the three universities to empower the future leaders in data science. Dr. Koki said, “Women comprise 22% of Data Scientists globally. This collaboration serves as an avenue to strengthen the pipeline of data scientists and reduce biases in data analysis and decision-making for public health.”

     

The collaboration between UCSF and UoN was established to help utilize AI and health data to solve pressing health problems. AI is currently being employed for innovation and disease diagnosis. When combined with data science, it will help escalate the use of existing public data in public health.

Pwani University was selected to represent the former Coast region in this initiative. The initiative made a significant investment to equip the universities with computers that will be used to train girls for the next five years. Starting Sunday, August 4th, 15 girls will report to Pwani University for a rigorous 20-day residential training program.

     

To facilitate the training, the university received a handover of 7 computers, 1 laptop, and 1 projector. After the handover, the visiting team received a tour of the university campus. This partnership between UCSF, UoN, and Pwani University marks a significant step forward in empowering girls through AI and data science, with the ultimate goal of improving public health outcomes in Kenya.