Aim of the project
The aim of this study is to examine female students’ participation in STEM courses by investigating how gender inequality affects student placement and students’ perceptions of AI within STEM programmes and their potential career paths.
Project summary
Despite current regulations on gender education and other measures aimed at ensuring gender equity, equality and inclusion, this issue remains a major problem in Kenya. STEM education aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours necessary to thrive in an inclusive and sustainable society. A recent UNESCO study shows that only 35 % of students enrolled in STEM-related subjects at higher education institutions are female students. The aim of this study is to examine female students’ participation in STEM courses by investigating how gender inequality affects student placement and students’ perceptions of AI in STEM programmes and their potential career paths. Furthermore, the study will examine the ethical rationale and societal benefits of using AI applications.
Project Lead: Juliet Chebet Moso
Juliet Chebet Moso holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France), a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Egerton University. She is currently a lecturer at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Kenya. Ms Moso has extensive experience in information systems auditing, software development and delivery, business requirements analysis, data analysis, modelling and reporting. She enjoys transforming data models into business solutions and has extensive experience in creating and implementing a wide range of technological solutions to achieve objectives, whilst managing projects at all stages. She is actively involved in funded projects and research. Her areas of interest include machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, and security and privacy management – particularly in relation to mobile technology, the Internet of Things, smart agriculture, intelligent transport systems, gender equality and inclusion.
The other team members
George Musumba is a Kenyan researcher and educator who has dedicated his career to tackling gender inequality in STEM education. Focusing on the Kenyan context, Mr Musumba recognises the importance of promoting the inclusion of women in STEM programmes to unlock the country’s economic potential and contribute to sustainable development. He holds a PhD in computer science and is particularly interested in the intersection of STEM education, gender dynamics and artificial intelligence (AI). His research has centred on understanding and addressing the challenges faced by female students in STEM courses, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. He is a member of the “Black in AI” community, which is dedicated to increasing the representation of under-represented groups in AI research and projects. Furthermore, his involvement in the “Mechanism Design for Social Good” project highlights his commitment to using STEM to bring about positive societal impact.
Kinyua Gikunda holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Paris 8 (France), a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi (Kenya) and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Kenyatta University (Kenya). His main area of research is artificial intelligence (AI), with a particular interest in issues relating to intelligent agents, computer vision, probabilistic modelling, machine learning and data mining, as well as their interdisciplinary applications in the fields of analytics, health, meteorology and climate, health and agriculture, and the impact of AI on the environment. He enjoys exploring the relationships between numbers and translating data into insights. With the right data at hand, ideas become actionable solutions and strategies, and he takes pride in his ability to make data accessible to both decision-makers and front-line operational staff. His research combines the theoretical and practical aspects of these problems.
Michael Kagiri is a Kenyan researcher and educator with a keen interest in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for educational development (ICT4D in Education). He is particularly interested in how ICT can be used to address gender inequality in STEM education and to bridge the digital divide between men and women. Academically, Michael is a PhD student in information systems, specialising in ICT for development in education and health. His research focuses in particular on the role of technology in improving the quality of education and health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). He is also interested in the factors that hinder gender equality in STEM education and how ICT can be used to reduce these barriers.
Mrs Hellen Mwangi is a researcher in the fields of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), a staunch advocate for AI ethics and a champion of women’s inclusion. Her work and her unwavering commitment to a fairer and more responsible future will shape the technological landscape. Academically, she is currently pursuing her PhD in computer science, with a particular focus on the IoT, artificial intelligence (AI) and gender mainstreaming. Her early research experience has enabled her to understand and address the challenges faced by women in STEM careers. Hellen completed her Master’s degree in Information Systems at a prestigious university, where she was captivated by the potential of the IoT to transform industries and societies, specialising in the IoT and AI.
Institution
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) is a public university with a focus on technology that delivers and promotes high-quality education, research, innovation, development and technology transfer, in line with the aspirations of Kenya’s Vision 2030. DeKUT’s mandate is to develop the workforce for Kenya’s economic, cultural, social, technological and scientific development. It is a science- and technology-intensive university, with over 80 per cent of its degree programmes falling within the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the fields of engineering, health and applied sciences, business management and economics, computer science, food science and technology, leather technology and geothermal energy technology. It strives to develop solutions to global challenges, in collaboration with partners. The university has a science and technology park (STP) focusing on bio-resources, design, manufacturing and materials, as well as ICT hardware and software. It also hosts a Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI). This centre has undertaken projects in the fields of health, the environment, agriculture and other areas. Furthermore, the university has a Directorate for Gender, Disability and Equity, whose aim is to promote equity and inclusion by addressing issues of gender and disability within the university.
Link to the institution: https://www.dkut.ac.ke/
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