Machakos University Female TVET Students Selected for Prestigious ENGAGE Training Program in AI and Data Science

In a remarkable achievement, six talented female students from Machakos University TVET Institute were selected for the prestigious ENGAGE (Enabling Girls in Artificial Intelligence and Growing Expertise) training program, an initiative spearheaded by the University of Nairobi in collaboration with other regional institutions. The program is dedicated to empowering young women, by equipping them with the essential skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science.

The selected students—Felista Kyambi, Evaline Kyalo, Martha Musya, Cecilia Mulinge, Stellamaris Musyoka, and Catherine Kyalo—are currently pursuing a Diploma in Information Communication Technology at Machakos University. The students earned a coveted place in this transformative program, which offers specialized training on health-centered machine learning applications. The 20-day training program at Pwani University and South Eastern Kenya University was designed to equip the participants with the knowledge and expertise needed to address critical issues in public health through AI-driven solutions.

The ENGAGE initiative focuses on bridging the gender gap in technology to ensure that women are equally represented in AI and Data Science applications. The program aims to build a strong pipeline of female talent that will help mitigate biases in AI and enhance the use of data science in improving public health through education, mentorship, and practical experiences.

Upon completion of the training, the students undertook a 6-week paid internship at Kilifi and Makueni Level 5 hospitals, where they applied their newly acquired hands-on experience in a real-world setting gaining invaluable exposure to cutting-edge knowledge in the fields of AI and Data Science.

The students’ success is a testament to their hard work, determination, and the growing role of women in shaping the future of technology. Machakos University is incredibly proud to see these young women taking bold strides toward becoming resourceful in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

The ENGAGE program not only represents a significant opportunity for the students but also reflects Machakos University’s dedication to fostering excellence and supporting women leadership in the evolving field of artificial intelligence.