Engage Project KE

Engage Project KE ENabling Girls in AI and Growing Expertise. We train young women and girls on Data Science, AI and Machine Learning for public health solutions.

A project of UoN in partnership with UCSF.

Meet Ayak Adoor!Before joining ENGAGE, Ayak aspired to become a runway model. Now, she is convinced she was meant to pur...
26/03/2026

Meet Ayak Adoor!

Before joining ENGAGE, Ayak aspired to become a runway model. Now, she is convinced she was meant to pursue a different kind of modelling, one that involves programming, algorithms, and problem-solving.

Born in a village in South Sudan called Kiir, Ayak's growth has been shaped by her resilience and courage.

Forced to leave home at a young age due to the civil war, she found a new home here in Kenya. She was welcomed by a new language and a new environment, which she admittedly found challenging to adjust to. However, she embraced education as her anchor and her hope for a brighter future.

It was at Stella Maris Othaya Girls High School that she first heard about ENGAGE. “I was very interested because of hearing about AI. I wanted to learn much about AI, ” Ayak recalls.

It was during her 10-day data science and AI training at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology that she had a light bulb moment. Ayak now dreams of one day using data science to solve a real problem back home, in Kiir.

Watch her full story here: https://lnkd.in/db8Vsgku

Kimathi University of Technology

It's International Women’s Day 🎉This year’s clarion call is a reminder to all of us to continue believing in women, be...
08/03/2026

It's International Women’s Day 🎉

This year’s clarion call is a reminder to all of us to continue believing in women, because when women thrive, communities thrive.

ENGAGE is proud to be part of young women's journeys from across the country. We have seen them grow, innovate, and trust in their ability to play a role in the communities they live in despite all the odds.

Today, we celebrate them and remain committed to investing in their skills through Data Science and AI training.

Happy International Women's Day

06/03/2026

Introducing our new segment,🥁 ‘Innovation of the Week.’

Each week, we will spotlight one innovation from our trainees, showcasing how young women are applying AI and Machine Learning to solve real public health challenges.

First on the list? Grace Sidi Mukunzo.

Having received her training at Pwani University, Grace interned for 6 weeks Here, and with support from her supervisor, Gabriele Paone, she applied data science and machine learning techniques to analyze malnutrition trends in Kilifi County. Her insights supported World Friends to refine community outreach and nutrition support strategies for the children most at risk.

From an ICT diploma student at Missions of Hope International Technical Training Institute, to contributing to community-centred public health decisions, you can listen to Grace’s entire ENGAGE experience on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/d2bpzXRX

In 2024, a partnership between the University of Nairobi and the University of California San Francisco, through the ENG...
02/03/2026

In 2024, a partnership between the University of Nairobi and the University of California San Francisco, through the ENGAGE Project, set out to build a pipeline of young women skilled in Data Science, AI and Machine Learning.

The goal was to recruit and train young women and girls who cannot access, afford, or even know about such opportunities. We then offer them paid internships and learning experiences that bring their skills to life, giving them the confidence and exposure to make a tangible difference in their communities using AI.

By 2025, 329 young women from across the country have completed the program.

In 2026, we aim to empower 240 more:

✅120 form 3 high school girls
✅120 young women from pursuing STEM courses in degree/diploma level.

To prepare for this next phase, our team recently came together to plan for another year of opening doors, training problem-solvers, and ensuring that innovation reflects the communities it serves.

The results so far have been powerful, and we invite you to learn more about our journey and the impact these young women are already making by visiting engage.uonbi.ac.ke

20/02/2026

Fun Fact💡: The average AI user relies on it for emails, refining messages, and, like Sheila jokes, for “emotional support” 😂

That was the reality for many of our beneficiaries before ENGAGE.

Today, they are mindful users, intentional about building and deploying AI and Machine Learning models that address real community challenges.

With a focus on public health, ENGAGE is empowering young women to use data and machine learning to identify community health risks and inform timely interventions that protect lives.

Our beneficiaries are evidence of what becomes possible when young women are included in fields they were once told “aren’t meant for them.”

“I come from a very deep village in Kenya [Elgeiyo-Marakwet County]. You understand how they are and how accessing a com...
16/02/2026

“I come from a very deep village in Kenya [Elgeiyo-Marakwet County]. You understand how they are and how accessing a computer is difficult.”

Habisha’s story is a reality for many residents in rural Kenya.

📊 KICTANet’s most recent survey on computer access in Kenya found that only 10.7% of households own a computer.

That means, nearly 9 out of 10 homes are navigating the new digital world without the most basic tool to enter it.

Spotting this digital gap, while acknowledging the fact that young women are less exposed to tech careers, ENGAGE, together with our partners, stepped in to shift the narrative.

Through structured and hands-on training in:

✅Data science and Artificial Intelligence for public health applications

✅Machine learning and predictive modeling

✅Mentorship and real-world practical experiences through internships at community health facilities,

Habisha can today code, program and deploy models that improve public health outcomes. She did so for the South Eastern Kenya University Health Unit Clinic, helping the facility:

✅Identify the top five diagnoses reported at the facility

✅Analyze which s*x was most affected

✅Detect seasonal patterns of occurrence

✅Recommend preventive steps to reduce infections,

a remarkable feat for a young lady who continues to defy the odds.

Habisha got to share her journey in her own words. Her story helps us understand what digital inclusion looks like and is an inspiration to all women.

Listen to her story on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0Ienyn-klnI?si=0HBULJnfgMuY4ajH

Her machine learning model uses locally collected maternal data to identify early risk patterns and looks to solve a pro...
12/02/2026

Her machine learning model uses locally collected maternal data to identify early risk patterns and looks to solve a problem that affects 37% of pregnant women worldwide, according to the health organization. Women In Low-Resource Settings.’

This time, at the KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference, Cynthia, an ENGAGE alumna, presented an abstract titled, ‘Developing A Machine Learning Screening Model For Early Detection Of Anaemia Among Pregnant Women In Low-Resource Settings’

Inspired by the project she and her fellow ENGAGE beneficiaries worked on while interning at the Bondeni Sub-County Hospital in Nakuru, Cynthia envisions a world where mothers, especially from economically vulnerable backgrounds, are protected from contracting anaemia during pregnancy.

“By integrating this model into antenatal care, particularly at the first and mid-pregnancy visits, health workers can enhance early referral, prevention, and treatment efforts. The approach offers a scalable, low-cost solution to support Kenya’s maternal health goals and strengthen digital health systems in low and middle-income countries.” Cynthia believes.

“By integrating this model into antenatal care, particularly at the first and mid-pregnancy visits, health workers can enhance early referral, prevention, and treatment efforts. The approach offers a scalable, low-cost solution to support Kenya’s maternal health goals and strengthen digital health systems in low and middle income countries.” Cynthia believes.

With artificial intelligence being integrated into everyday life across different industries, we cannot afford to miss out on incorporating women’s lived realities. Cynthia’s contribution marks a proud milestone for the ENGAGE Project, as we continue equipping young women with the skills to design solutions to the challenges they experience in their communities.

Meet Abicael Jemutai.For many girls growing up in rural areas, education is viewed as the primary pathway to a better li...
09/02/2026

Meet Abicael Jemutai.

For many girls growing up in rural areas, education is viewed as the primary pathway to a better life. However, financial constraints and a genuine lack of exposure limit their potential. ENGAGE is meant for girls like Abicael, who was born in Kapsabet, Nandi County.

Having never interacted with a computer before, Abicael is one of 120 form 3 high school girls we trained in 2025. Determined to one day change her economic background and improve the lives of her family members back at home, Abicael now believes that a career in data science can help her achieve this goal.

Listen to her story today, on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/HKoFuZOqwjg

Meet Mudagire, born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After years of sustained conflict back home, Mudagir...
05/02/2026

Meet Mudagire, born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After years of sustained conflict back home, Mudagire’s family sought refuge in Kenya; a place where she could access stable education and a chance at a new beginning.

A standout student with a strong aptitude for Mathematics, Mudagire was encouraged by her teacher at Peter Kibukosya Secondary School to apply for ENGAGE’s training in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for high school girls.

It was during her training that she realized data science could solve the very problems she faced growing up. Mudagire saw herself as the solution.

Meet Mudagire, born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After years of sustained conflict back home, Mudagire’s family sought refuge in Kenya, a place where she could access stable education and a chance at a new beginning.

Today, we celebrate Cynthia Kilango, one of our Cohort II beneficiaries who trained at University 🥳We are incredibly pr...
30/01/2026

Today, we celebrate Cynthia Kilango, one of our Cohort II beneficiaries who trained at University 🥳

We are incredibly proud of Cynthia for transforming classroom theory into practice by using data science, AI, and machine learning to address real public health challenges and support safer, healthier communities.

Cynthia recently presented her abstract titled “Leveraging Machine Learning for Community-Based One Health Risk Prediction in Rapidly Urbanizing Kenya” during the University of Nairobi STD/HIV/SRH Collaborative Research Group meeting held at the Serena Hotel.

During the One Health / Zoonoses / Emerging and Re-emerging Infections session, Cynthia showcased her AI-based application that is designed to predict the risk of zoonotic diseases at the household level.

In her abstract, Cynthia observes, "The high rates of urbanization in Kenya have heightened the level of interaction between humans and animals, and thus, there are higher chances of zoonotic diseases and emerging infections."

Her application addresses this emerging infection by using data and machine learning to identify households at risk. The app further offers recommendations for preventive action that can be used in real time by community health providers and household heads; a solution she hopes can become a routine health practice.

Reliving our graduation ceremony at Meru University Meet Shamsa Abdullahi, a student from Waberi Girls Day Secondary Sch...
05/01/2026

Reliving our graduation ceremony at Meru University

Meet Shamsa Abdullahi, a student from Waberi Girls Day Secondary School in Wajir County. Once shy and reserved, Shamsa stood confidently before an audience of over 200 people to share how the ENGAGE Project transformed her skills, her mindset and her vision for the future.

In just 10 days of training in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Shamsa discovered new possibilities and the courage to pursue them.

Read more about Shamsa’s inspiring journey and transformation on our website: https://shorturl.at/d47w6

Reliving Our Graduation Ceremony: Highlights from Pwani University (Tier 1)Meet Nicole Akinyi, a Form 3 student from Nya...
18/12/2025

Reliving Our Graduation Ceremony: Highlights from Pwani University (Tier 1)

Meet Nicole Akinyi, a Form 3 student from Nyamira Girls.

Born in Mombasa County, Nicole once dreamed of becoming a surgeon. After an intensive 10-day training in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning at Pwani University, her vision has expanded.

Today, she is eager to explore software engineering, data science, and AI - fields that opened her eyes to new possibilities. As Nicole puts it, “This field has a lot more opportunities.”

Visit our website today and read more: https://shorturl.at/qbjSg

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Faculty Of Health Sciences Campus, Kenyatta Hospital Compound, Off Ngong Road
Nairobi

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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