Dr. Jacqueline Okeyo, a lecturer from the Department of Design and Creative Media, is among 15 grant winners of the African Women in Tech and AI. The top 15 were among 80 female researchers and entrepreneurs selected in a competition that was held in Morocco. The teams from 28 countries in Africa also underwent a three-month training. Eight Kenyans qualified for the 2024 cohort; two of them won grants.
Dr. Okeyo’s ingenious project; WIKA, an application pitched at creating awareness around sexual violence and prevention, was among the 15 projects selected to receive financial grants of between 10,000 and 30,000 USD. In addition to the financial support, each winner will receive coaching on fund-raising, and tailor-made technical support.
The downloadable application on mobile phones and computers leverages on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology to anonymously report sexual violence and related crimes. Victims can also access services and resources such as police, lawyers, therapists, and medics, fostering a safer and more supportive community. “The application guides victims on reporting sexual crimes and submitting evidence using proper protocols to seek justice,” said Dr. Okeyo.
She noted that the nod from the organisers and sponsors appreciates research, scholarly works, and entrepreneurship. “All stages in the development of the application provide valuable research opportunities for students and faculty in fields such as design, psychology, social work, and computer science by contributing to academic knowledge and innovation,” Dr. Okeyo said.
She added that “such innovation places the university as an important component in creatively solving societal challenges through research and implementation of findings.” The competition was sponsored by Office Cherifien Desphosphates (OCP Group), UNESCO – France, (Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and AI Movement and was themed at harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address local challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
