Njoro, Nakuru | October 15, 2025 — Egerton University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, has urged universities to move from “conversation to concrete steps” in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for higher education.
Speaking during the session on “Harnessing AI to Drive Egerton’s Mission in Teaching, Research, and Community Transformation” at the AI in Higher Education Summit held at the University’s Main Campus, Njoro, Prof. Kibwage outlined a bold vision for integrating AI across the institution’s academic, research, and administrative functions.
Prof. Kibwage reaffirmed that Egerton University is determined not to be a passive observer in the unfolding AI revolution, but an active participant shaping its direction. “For Egerton, the goal is not simply to watch this revolution unfold, but to learn how to integrate AI responsibly and purposefully into our mission,” he said. “This is a decisive step toward advancing our global competitiveness while remaining deeply relevant to the communities we serve.”
AI as the New Engine of Institutional Excellence
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that AI should not be viewed as a technology limited to ICT departments, but as the new engine of institutional excellence—one that cuts across all facets of university life.
He called for a shift from reactive adaptation to proactive integration, where AI becomes central to planning, budgeting, and academic strategies.
“If we are to make real progress,” he noted, “we must recognize that AI is the new engine of institutional excellence. It must be embedded into our institutional DNA—fueling innovation, learning efficiency, and effective administration.”
Transforming Teaching and Learning
Highlighting AI’s potential to revolutionize pedagogy, Prof. Kibwage said the technology must transform how teaching and learning are delivered across all disciplines—from Agriculture and Health Sciences to Philosophy and Education.
“The goal is to teach about AI and also with AI,” he explained. “Generative AI offers opportunities for personalized and adaptive learning, empowering lecturers to create dynamic content and providing students with customized feedback and support. This will enrich the learning experience and help us produce globally competent graduates.”
Accelerating Research and Innovation
On research, Prof. Kibwage underscored AI’s growing role in accelerating discovery and problem-solving. He noted that AI enhances the capacity of researchers to analyze complex datasets, uncover insights, and generate solutions to pressing national challenges such as climate modeling, food security, and precision agriculture.
However, he cautioned that academic excellence must translate into societal impact. “We must go further,” he said. “Research powered by AI should move from the lab to the market—driving innovation, shaping policy, and creating sustainable economic value.”
Ethical Leadership and Community Transformation
Prof. Kibwage also highlighted the ethical dimensions of AI integration, reaffirming Egerton’s commitment to responsible and inclusive technology adoption. “As we engage with AI, we must also lead with ethics,” he said. “Egerton aspires to be a thought leader in responsible AI—one that addresses algorithmic bias, protects data privacy, and upholds academic integrity.”
He emphasized that true to Egerton’s mission, AI must be harnessed not only to advance academic excellence but also to transform communities. “We must ensure that the benefits of AI reach our communities, making the technology inclusive, equitable, and transformative for all,” he added.
A Call to Collective Action
In his concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor called for collaboration among faculty, students, industry partners, and policymakers to ensure meaningful AI integration. “The AI transformation cannot be achieved in isolation,” he said. “Let us move from conversation to concrete steps—to guide and support universities like Egerton in embedding AI in ways that enhance teaching, expand research frontiers, and uplift our communities.”
Prof. Kibwage’s remarks marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing Egerton University AI in Higher Education Summit, which has positioned the institution as a thought leader in exploring the opportunities and ethics of emerging technologies in higher education.
With this strong call to action, Egerton University reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a hub for innovation, research excellence, and ethical leadership in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
Written By: Kurian Musa, Agnes Mwangi and AI
