Joining forces for human-centred and trustworthy AI: ARAISE strengthens German-Kenyan collaboration in research and higher education while developing innovative AI solutions for the environment, public health and social inclusion.

Relevance

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key technology that is already profoundly transforming the way we live and work today. As its use continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals and strong international research networks that combine technological innovation with social responsibility, ensuring that AI serves the public good.

Kenya is one of Africa’s leading AI hubs and is home to a rapidly evolving research and innovation ecosystem. Supported by a joint initiative of the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the establishment of the AI Centre of Excellence aligns with the strategic objectives of Germany’s High-Tech Agenda and the Kenya AI Strategy. It brings together German and Kenyan expertise in higher education, research and innovation while fostering exchange between academia and practice. The Centre creates sustainable knowledge partnerships, application-oriented innovations and new opportunities for training and skills development, generating mutual benefit for all partners involved.

Project objectives

ARAISE strengthens capacities in education, research and innovation in the field of responsible and application-oriented AI while establishing sustainable structures for a long-term German-Kenyan knowledge partnership.

Key objectives:

• Expand practice-oriented study and professional development programmes
• Train students and early-career researchers
• Promote application-driven research
• Develop sustainable institutional structures and networks

Key actions

ARAISE sets up German-Kenyan research groups in the fields of Environment and Geospatial AI, Public Health and Biomedical AI, and Cognitive, Communicative and Inclusive AI. The Centre supports early-career researchers through doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships, joint supervision, and study and research visits in Germany and Kenya. For master’s students, ARAISE develops and delivers modules covering the foundations and applications of responsible AI. These are complemented by Summer Schools, dialogue forums and knowledge-transfer formats in which students, researchers and practitioners work together on real-world challenges related to the use of AI. 

Stakeholders from the health sector, environmental organisations, industry, public administration and civil society contribute their perspectives and experience directly to the Centre’s activities, ensuring strong practical relevance throughout. A consistent focus on human-centred and trustworthy AI underpins all activities and supports the development of AI solutions that are effective, responsible and socially relevant.

Back to the programme Centres of African Excellence

Funding Line A

Funding Line B