“Came for the coffee, stayed for the code.”
It wasn’t just a catchy phrase, it was the spirit that pulsed through the halls of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Assembly Hall on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025. In a vibrant collaboration between Power Learn Project and JHUB Africa, the AI Safari Edition came to life, igniting conversations, sparking curiosity, and most importantly, empowering young minds to turn knowledge into innovation.
From the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the crackle of energy from 408 engaged students, developers, and AI enthusiasts, the event was more than a workshop; it was a live demonstration of what the future of African innovation looks like.
Where Curiosity Meets Capability
The morning kicked off with warm welcomes, and warm mugs, from the Power Learn Project community. But it was Shadrack Kiprotich, Microsoft MVP in Business Applications, who challenged the crowd to think deeper.
“What would you want to see included in the AI tool that you use?”
That single question shifted the room from passive listening to active participation.
What followed was a practical, fast-paced session that demystified artificial intelligence. With Microsoft CoPilot as his tool of choice, Shadrack demonstrated how AI can simplify everyday workflows, from summarizing meetings to drafting reports, all while encouraging attendees to build their very first AI agents. It wasn’t just a talk; it was a transition, from learning to doing, from ideas to applications.
Moments That Mattered
The AI Safari Edition wasn’t about buzzwords or theories, it was about action. What made the event stand out?
- Live demos that turned abstract ideas into hands-on experience
- Practical workshops where learners became creators of real-world AI tools
- Genuine networking that laid the foundation for future collaborations
It was a day where code wasn’t confined to screens; it became a language of possibility, collaboration, and community.
Behind the Innovation: A Community That Moves Together
Events of this scale demand thoughtful planning, and the JHUB Africa team, under the coordination of Simon Mwangi, MBA, ensured that every detail, from logistics to learner experience, reflected excellence. Their efforts created a space where young innovators felt seen, supported, and inspired to build.
A special appreciation goes to the Power Learn Project team, Esther Gatimu, Annabelle Wafula, Munene Dennis, Isaac Kega, Eric Muriithi, and Noanne Castiel Ndombi, whose vision and meticulous planning turned this event into an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Support from our thriving tech ecosystem added even more momentum, with key contributions from Tech Innovators Network (THiNK), Daraja Plus, and Teki Training Hub — partners not just in presence, but in purpose.
A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
At the heart of this transformative event is the enduring leadership of Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Founder of JHUB Africa and Chair of the Department of Computing at JKUAT. His commitment to bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact has transformed JKUAT into a launchpad for digital leaders across the continent.
“Our responsibility as institutions is to create environments where students don’t just learn, they innovate.”
It’s this guiding philosophy that continues to elevate JHUB Africa as a leading innovation hub driving Africa’s digital future.
The Coffee Has Cooled, but the Community is Just Heating Up
This wasn’t a one-time experience. The AI Safari Edition was a glimpse into what’s possible when bold ideas, supportive communities, and practical tools come together.
As we look ahead, JHUB Africa welcomes collaborators, mentors, and partners ready to invest in the next generation of African innovators. Whether you’re an educator, tech professional, or organization with a passion for social impact, there’s a place for you in this movement.
Let’s build the future together.
To partner, sponsor, or mentor, reach us at info.jhub@jkuat.ac.ke
Because at JHUB Africa, we don’t just teach AI, we live it, we build with it, and we empower others to do the same.