Opening Remarks By The Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage During The Ai In Higher Education Summit

VENUE: MAIN CAMPUS, NJORO

DATE: TUESDAY, 14^TH OCTOBER, 2025

Ladies and gentlemen,

I welcome you to this AI in Higher Education Summit hosted here at Egerton University, a first at this institution. I am delighted to see scholars, innovators and researchers gathered here to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can redefine the future of learning, research and innovations.

We are well known for agriculture, engineering, environmental sciences and education and now computer science has put us in the global stage. Our researchers and students are already earning global recognition for their computer driven innovations. But even with these achievements, we recognize that when it comes to integrating AI in higher education, we still have a long way to go.

AI is not just a 21^st century passing trend, its here to stay. It represent a strategic turning point for universities in Kenya. So now, the question is, how can we as intsitutions of higher learning harness it responsibly, ethically and inclusively?

That is why this Summit is so important. We are here to learn, to ask hard questions, and to seek guidance. How can universities like Egerton build the right infrastructure, policies, and capacity to integrate AI into teaching, research, and community service? How can we ensure that the use of AI enhances rather than replaces human creativity, judgment and compassion?

As we hold these discussions, I urge each of you to see this not merely as a conference, but as the beginning of a collective journey. Let us work together to craft the strategies, partnershipsband training models that will make AI a tool for expanding opportunities.

In closing, I invite all of you to be partners in this transformative process. Let us guide universities, such as Egerton, to embrace and integrate AI thoughtfully and ethically.

Thank you.