CENTER FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LIBRARIANSHIP
Vision
To be a leading center of excellence in Africa for advancing artificial intelligence in information science, transforming libraries, knowledge systems, and information services for sustainable development and inclusive digital futures.
Mission
To drive innovation, research, capacity building, and policy advocacy in the integration of artificial intelligence within information science, empowering professionals, institutions, and communities in Kenya to harness AI for enhanced knowledge access, management, and socio-economic development.
Objectives
1) Promote research and innovation by conducting and supporting cutting-edge research on AI applications in information services generating evidence-based solutions
2) Build capacity and skills development by designing and implementing training programs, workshops, and certifications that equip information professionals with advanced AI competencies and digital literacy skills.
3) Strive to influence national and institutional policies by advocating for ethical, inclusive, and responsible adoption of AI in information science, including development of standards and best practices.
4) Enhance digital infrastructure and access by supporting the development and deployment of AI-powered tools and platforms that improve access to information, digital services, and knowledge sharing across urban and rural communities.
5) To build strategic local and international partnerships, including USA–Africa collaborations among individuals and organizations to enhance knowledge exchange, resource
AI IN LIBRARIES IN KENYA PROJECT
DR. JOTHAM M. WASIKE ACADEMIA REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
PROF. PAUL MAKU GICHOHI INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
PROF. PAUL MAKU GICHOHI INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Dr. Jotham M. Wasike is a Senior Lecturer in Library and Information Science and Knowledge Management at Kirinyaga University with a PhD in Library and Information Science and over twenty-five years of integrated academic, research, and senior library leadership experience. His scholarly and professional work is grounded in the strategic
Dr. Jotham M. Wasike is a Senior Lecturer in Library and Information Science and Knowledge Management at Kirinyaga University with a PhD in Library and Information Science and over twenty-five years of integrated academic, research, and senior library leadership experience. His scholarly and professional work is grounded in the strategic application of advanced digital technologies—including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, intelligent decision-support systems, and big data analytics—to transform library services, knowledge infrastructures, and research ecosystems in developing-country contexts. He has successfully led and contributed to high-value national and international research and consultancy projects, supervised a large portfolio of MSc and PhD research (including doctoral studies on AI adoption and digital competence in Kenyan university libraries), and published extensively on digital libraries, AI-driven information retrieval, knowledge management systems, data governance, copyright, information ethics, and technology policy. Dr. Wasike brings strong Principal Investigator capacity through his proven ability to conceptualize, govern, and operationalize complex, multidisciplinary projects, coupled with hands-on executive experience as University Librarian and Deputy University Librarian, where he spearheaded technology integration, digital transformation, and evidence-based decision-making. His expertise uniquely positions him to lead AI-in-libraries initiatives that address automation, personalization, research intelligence, ethical AI governance, capacity building, and sustainable innovation within Kenya’s academic and public library ecosystems.
PROF. PAUL MAKU GICHOHI INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
PROF. PAUL MAKU GICHOHI INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
PROF. PAUL MAKU GICHOHI INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Prof. Paul Maku Gichohi is an Associate Professor of Information Science and University Librarian at the University of Eldoret in Kenya. He holds a PhD, MLIS, MBA, and a BSc. These reflect a strong interdisciplinary foundation. He has extensive experience in academic librarianship, research, and teaching, and leads the transformation of
Prof. Paul Maku Gichohi is an Associate Professor of Information Science and University Librarian at the University of Eldoret in Kenya. He holds a PhD, MLIS, MBA, and a BSc. These reflect a strong interdisciplinary foundation. He has extensive experience in academic librarianship, research, and teaching, and leads the transformation of modern library services in Kenya. He is a board member of Kenya Libraries and Information Services Consortium and a peer-reviewer with Commission for University Education. His specializations include knowledge management, scholarly communication, librarianship, information systems, technology transformation, research methodology, and data analysis, with a focus on innovation. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, authored a book on research methodology, and presented papers at numerous conferences. His ongoing research addresses digital libraries, institutional repositories, and AI in information services. He actively participated in a large-scale study on Somali women and has contributed to studies on AI readiness in academic libraries and ICT competencies among Kenyan university librarians and other outstanding studies. This expertise positions him to suitably participate in research on AI in university libraries in Kenya and beyond.
DR. JOHNSON M. MASINDE ACADEMIA REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
PROF. PAUL MAKU GICHOHI INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
DR. JOHNSON M. MASINDE ACADEMIA REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Dr. Johnson M. Masinde holds a PhD in Information Science and is a lecturer at Embu University with over 10 years of teaching and research experience. He is an educator, mentor, and researcher specializing in intelligent knowledge systems, artificial intelligence in libraries, digital transformation, and data management in the African co
Dr. Johnson M. Masinde holds a PhD in Information Science and is a lecturer at Embu University with over 10 years of teaching and research experience. He is an educator, mentor, and researcher specializing in intelligent knowledge systems, artificial intelligence in libraries, digital transformation, and data management in the African context. His work focuses on designing context-responsive research and translating findings into practical solutions for academic and library environments. He is particularly interested in advancing coordinated adoption of AI in Kenyan academic libraries through evidence-based approaches. Dr. Masinde has published on AI, including “Exploring the Current Landscape of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Kenyan Academic Libraries” and a book chapter on AI and library ecosystems. He actively mentors students and contributes to academic development initiatives.
DR. ZIPPORAH KIMOTE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
DR. ZIPPORAH KIMOTE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
DR. ZIPPORAH KIMOTE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Dr. Zipporah Kimote holds a PhD in Information Science and is an experienced information scientist and academic librarian with over 17 years of professional practice in knowledge management and research support. Her expertise includes information literacy, referencing, citation management, and the integration of AI tools in scholarly res
Dr. Zipporah Kimote holds a PhD in Information Science and is an experienced information scientist and academic librarian with over 17 years of professional practice in knowledge management and research support. Her expertise includes information literacy, referencing, citation management, and the integration of AI tools in scholarly research. She is dedicated to empowering learners and researchers through capacity-building initiatives, delivering training programs that strengthen research quality, academic writing, and digital scholarship. Her professional interests include open science, digital transformation, and enhancing research visibility and impact.
Ms. PURITY KAVURI PUBLIC_REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
DR. ZIPPORAH KIMOTE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
DR. ZIPPORAH KIMOTE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Purity Kavuri is a seasoned library and information professional with over 20 years of experience in knowledge management, digital information services, and library leadership in Kenya. She currently heads the Linkages and Partnerships Department at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), where she leads strategic collaborations, reso
Purity Kavuri is a seasoned library and information professional with over 20 years of experience in knowledge management, digital information services, and library leadership in Kenya. She currently heads the Linkages and Partnerships Department at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), where she leads strategic collaborations, resource mobilization, and institutional partnerships to strengthen library services and knowledge access. Purity is currently a PhD student at Tangaza University, advancing her research interests in information science, knowledge systems, and community-centered learning. She has played a key role in advancing open access, data governance, and digital literacy initiatives, including coordinating access to Research4Life (R4L) databases and organizing national and regional programs such as Open Access Week. She also successfully organized the IASSIST Regional Conference in Kenya, contributing to the advancement of data services and information management discourse in the region.
Purity has led innovative community-based initiatives such as the Toto Smart Book Club, Math Whiz, and digital literacy programs aimed at expanding information access and empowering learners across Kenya. She is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Kenya Library Association (KLA), American Library Association (ALA), the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), where she serves as a Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Committee Member. She is also a former Honorary Secretary of the Kenya Library Association.
Her professional interests focus on open science, knowledge sharing, and the role of libraries in fostering inclusive, data-driven communities. She is passionate about strengthening library systems as hubs for learning, research, and community transformation.
DR. RUTH N. WAFUBWA RESEARCH ORGANISATION BIODATA
DR. ZIPPORAH KIMOTE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
DR. RUTH N. WAFUBWA RESEARCH ORGANISATION BIODATA
Dr. Ruth Nanjekho Wafubwa is a Research Fellow at the Population Council, Kenya, where she combines her passion for education, gender equity, and adolescent wellbeing with cutting-edge approaches in digital learning and AI-enabled education. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Maste
Dr. Ruth Nanjekho Wafubwa is a Research Fellow at the Population Council, Kenya, where she combines her passion for education, gender equity, and adolescent wellbeing with cutting-edge approaches in digital learning and AI-enabled education. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. With over 15 years of experience teaching Mathematics and Geography in secondary schools, Ruth brings a deep understanding of the real challenges learners and teachers face. This experience fuels her research, which focuses on using data, learning analytics, and AI-informed tools to improve educational outcomes, enhance equity, and strengthen policy decisions, especially in contexts where resources are limited. Ruth has published 11 conference papers and more than 10 peer-reviewed journal articles, exploring diverse aspects of education. She is increasingly focused on how AI and digital evidence systems can support assessment, monitoring, and decision-making in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and actionable. At the Population Council, Ruth leads the Kenya team for the Evidence for Gender and Education Resource (EGER) project, mapping programs, policies, and evidence to identify what works, where, and for whom. She also co-leads the Adolescent Girls Initiative–Kenya (AGIK)
MS. CAROLINE MWAI SCHOOL_LIB REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Ms. MARY MWENDWA SPECIAL LIBRARIES’ INDUSTRY REP. BIODATA
MS. CAROLINE MWAI SCHOOL_LIB REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Caroline Mwai is a teacher-librarian at The Banda School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Kenyatta University and maintains both Cat.1 and Cat. 2 International Baccalaureate (IB) certifications. Additionally, Caroline is an Information Media Resource Associate (IMRA) certified professional, holding a badge from the San Diego County Of
Caroline Mwai is a teacher-librarian at The Banda School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Kenyatta University and maintains both Cat.1 and Cat. 2 International Baccalaureate (IB) certifications. Additionally, Caroline is an Information Media Resource Associate (IMRA) certified professional, holding a badge from the San Diego County Office of Education. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Literacy Methodology at Barclay College, Kansas.
Beyond her formal qualifications, Caroline is deeply committed to bridging the technology divide in Kenya, particularly regarding AI awareness and its transformative benefits within school libraries and education. To deepen her expertise in addressing this challenge, she is currently completing an AI immersion course at the Africa AI Hub.
Passionate about literacy, Caroline runs a local literacy center in collaboration with ODBM, providing direct support to children in her community. She is a strong advocate for digital literacy, especially in rural Kenya, as she believes that for the benefits of AI to be truly universal, knowledge and digital access must be extended to every corner of the country.
CAROLINE MACHARIA SCHOOL LIB INDUSTRY REP BIODATA
Ms. MARY MWENDWA SPECIAL LIBRARIES’ INDUSTRY REP. BIODATA
MS. CAROLINE MWAI SCHOOL_LIB REPRESENTATIVE BIODATA
Ms. Caroline Macharia is a seasoned Information Specialist at The Banda School with 18+ years of experience in university and school library management. A specialist in "smart library" evolution and AI integration, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science and a certificate in Special Libraries. Ms. Caroline is currently balan
Ms. Caroline Macharia is a seasoned Information Specialist at The Banda School with 18+ years of experience in university and school library management. A specialist in "smart library" evolution and AI integration, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science and a certificate in Special Libraries. Ms. Caroline is currently balancing her work in educational technology with a passion project: setting up a community library to bring information resources to a rural area.
Ms. MARY MWENDWA SPECIAL LIBRARIES’ INDUSTRY REP. BIODATA
Ms. MARY MWENDWA SPECIAL LIBRARIES’ INDUSTRY REP. BIODATA
Ms. MARY MWENDWA SPECIAL LIBRARIES’ INDUSTRY REP. BIODATA
Mary Mwendwa holds an MSc in Library and Information Studies from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. She has over 15 years’ experience in academic and special libraries and currently serves as Deputy Librarian (Assistant Manager) at the Kenya Revenue Authority. Her expertise includes library managemen
Mary Mwendwa holds an MSc in Library and Information Studies from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. She has over 15 years’ experience in academic and special libraries and currently serves as Deputy Librarian (Assistant Manager) at the Kenya Revenue Authority. Her expertise includes library management, performance management, staff contracting, leadership, and communication. She has a keen interest in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in libraries to enhance service delivery, automate processes, and improve user experience, including AI-driven cataloguing, intelligent information retrieval, research support tools, and data analytics for informed decision-making in modern libraries.
AI in academia
Inspiration
Dr. Ashley L. Dockens
The Academy gratefully acknowledges the support and inspiration of Dr. Ashley L. Dockens, Associate Provost for Academic Innovation and Digital Learning at Lamar University (USA), whose AI in Academia Series and related scholarship helped to shape our vision, as well as strengthen, and sustain our motivation. In 2025, AIEd Academy Inc was formally established as a specialized digital hub for RDEd, integrating expertise in AI policy, practice, research, gained in previous years to transform education in Africa through Research, Skilling, Upskilling, Reskilling, Digital Citizenship Education, Networking and Advocacy, as well as National, Regional, and Global Collaborations and Partnerships.
Presenters
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Doctor of Engineering in Computer Science,
Lecturer | Kenya Methodist University & Strathmore University | 2009 – Present,
Dean: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative,
Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Muriira is a lecturer with interest in; Information System M
Doctor of Engineering in Computer Science,
Lecturer | Kenya Methodist University & Strathmore University | 2009 – Present,
Dean: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative,
Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Muriira is a lecturer with interest in; Information System Management and Data Analytics especially, data correlation, and application of Deep Neural Networks for prediction.
His philosophy is firstly, utilizing Information Communication and Technology better by engaging it in research to meet society’s needs. Secondly, exploration of the evolving high performance computing and state-of-the-art communication initiatives to support the education’s information infrastructure.
Dr. Jotham Milimo Wasike
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
Director: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative: Librarianship and Information Science,
· Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Librarianship and Information Science Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Jotham Milimo Wasike is a Senior Lecturer in Library and Information Science and Knowledge Manageme
Director: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative: Librarianship and Information Science,
· Principal Investigator: USA-Africa AIEd Initiative 2026/2030: AIEd Librarianship and Information Science Needs Assessment, Research, and Training for Africa.
Dr. Jotham Milimo Wasike is a Senior Lecturer in Library and Information Science and Knowledge Management at Kirinyaga University with a PhD and over 25 years of academic, research, and senior library leadership experience. His work focuses on applying AI, machine learning, and data analytics to transform library services, knowledge management, and digital research ecosystems. He has led major research projects, supervised MSc and PhD studies, and published widely on digital libraries, AI governance, information ethics, and technology policy.
David Otieno Omollo
Dr. Lawrence Mwenda Muriira
David Otieno Omollo
- Is a doctoral student at Kisii university, Kenya pursuing a degree course in Curriculum, Media and Instruction., with a passion for re-imaginibg how education can Form, inForm and transForm learners through Digital Technologies such as AI.
- -Is currently part-timer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Curriculum and
- Is a doctoral student at Kisii university, Kenya pursuing a degree course in Curriculum, Media and Instruction., with a passion for re-imaginibg how education can Form, inForm and transForm learners through Digital Technologies such as AI.
- -Is currently part-timer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Curriculum and Instructional Technology Department).
- serves as director of David Rescue Mission (DRM), a CBO for Empowering youth, vulnerable children and underprivileged members of community.
- Authored a research paper in 2025 on
'AI as Predictor of Academic Self-efficacy."
Dr. Alyse Jordan
Dr. CPA Leonard W. Wakoli, PhD
David Otieno Omollo
Dr. Alyse Jordan is a prominent thought leader in higher education, known for her diverse research interests that encompass artificial intelligence, mentorship, cultural literacy, talent development, and women's studies. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative decision-making and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. D
Dr. Alyse Jordan is a prominent thought leader in higher education, known for her diverse research interests that encompass artificial intelligence, mentorship, cultural literacy, talent development, and women's studies. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative decision-making and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Dr. Jordan consistently seeks growth opportunities, having participated in esteemed programs such as the Blockchain Council Certified Generative AI and Prompt Engineering, and the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University, a Specialist Degree in Library Science, and two master’s degrees in information studies and religion. She completed her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University. Beyond her academic endeavors, Alyse is actively engaged in community organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women and Rotary International.
Dr. CPA Leonard W. Wakoli, PhD
Dr. CPA Leonard W. Wakoli, PhD
Dr. CPA Leonard W. Wakoli, PhD
Dr. Leonard Wakoli is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at Multimedia University of Kenya. Academic Qualification: Leonard has a Doctorate in Information Security and Audit from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology - Kenya, a Master of Scie
Dr. Leonard Wakoli is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at Multimedia University of Kenya. Academic Qualification: Leonard has a Doctorate in Information Security and Audit from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology - Kenya, a Master of Science degree in Software Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) - Kenya, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management of Information Systems from the University of Greenwich, London - UK, a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computing from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) - Kenya, and a Diploma in Science Education (Mathematics and Physics)from the defunct Kenya Science Techers College - Kenya. Professional Certifications: Certified High School Teacher, Certified Public AccountantKenya CPA(K), Certified Environmental Impact Assessment Auditor (Africa Nazarene University, Kenya) and the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). Work Experience: Leonard has well over 30 years of teaching experience right from High School through University. Research Interests: Block-chain technology, use machine learning and deep learning to optimize the security in the cyberspace. Leonard has a passion for the development of predictive models using both machine learning and deep learning tools. He has published over 15 papers and has authored a Python Programming text book that is due for publication. He has successfully supervised over 10 Master of Science Students and currently supervising 3 PhD Students in different universities. Leonard has vast experience in the use of various data analytics tools such as SPSS, Amos SPSS, WarpPLS-SEM, together with machine learning and deep learning algorithms in model development such as Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and long short term memory (LSTM), together with Keras, TensorFlow and PyTorch frameworks. CURRENT RESEARCH INTEREST: Development of AI-enabled models for real-time prediction of network cyber-attacks.
2025 conference
