Egerton University’s Departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering made a resounding impact Friday at the AI Hackathon hosted by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), bringing home several trophies and cash prizes. The competition, which drew top student innovators from universities across Kenya, saw Egerton’s teams excel particularly in the Automation and Cybersecurity tracks.
Their ground-breaking projects secured them first place in both categories, impressing a panel of judges with technical depth, creativity, and real-world applicability.
In addition to their category wins, Egerton’s teams also captured the 'overall second' and 'third prize' trophies, along with their accompanying cash awards. The second-place team, led by students from the Computer Science Department, showcased a highly scalable automation solution. Meanwhile, the third-place team—largely drawn from the Electrical Engineering Department—delivered a robust cybersecurity tool that underscored the department’s commitment to addressing emerging digital risks.
University leadership expressed pride in the students’ performance. Egerton University, lauded the participants for their dedication and innovation.“Our students have demonstrated that Egerton University is not just keeping pace with fast-growing tech trends—it’s leading. Their success is a testament to the strength of our academic programs and the hard work of our faculty," said Prof. George Owuor, Director Research, Egerton University.
Dr. Zachary Bosire Omariba, Chair of the Computer Science Department, noted that participation in such hackathons offers invaluable hands-on experience: “By solving real-world challenges under pressure, our students sharpen their problem-solving skills and prepare for future careers in AI, automation, and cybersecurity.”The Electrical Engineering Department also celebrated. Its students’ award-winning cybersecurity entry, Dr. Omariba added, “reflects the growing importance of digital resilience in today’s world.”
Organizers at JKUAT commended all participating universities, noting how the hackathon is becoming a key platform for nurturing Kenya’s next generation of tech innovators.Egerton’s performance at the event reinforces its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and practical innovation in AI and engineering. With these successes, the university continues to bolster its role in shaping Kenya’s digital future.
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