JOOUST Hosts International Partners to Launch CO-KENDAI Project on AI, Robotics and Drone Innovation

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) recently hosted
international and local partners for the four-day kick-off meeting of the CO-KENDAI Project,
officially launching a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening education, research, and
innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and drone technology.
The CO-KENDAI consortium brings together the Southern University of Denmark (SDU),
Open University of Kenya (OUK), Kenyatta University (KU), JOOUST, and 4APioneer.
The initiative seeks to establish a sustainable, locally driven education and innovation ecosystem
that harnesses emerging technologies to address pressing challenges in agriculture, biodiversity
and water conservation, medical technology, and art and culture.
Officially opening the meeting, JOOUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emily Akuno, underscored
the critical role of collaboration and interdisciplinary research in addressing complex societal
challenges. She emphasized that strategic partnerships among universities, industry, and
innovation stakeholders are essential for strengthening research capacity, fostering innovation,
and developing technology-driven solutions that create lasting societal impact.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Yvonne Apiyo Brandle of 4APioneer and Prof. Ulrik
Schultz, the project's lead coordinator from the Southern University of Denmark, highlighted
the importance of equitable North–South partnerships in promoting knowledge exchange,
institutional capacity building, and co-creation of innovative solutions to global and local
challenges.
The four-day kick-off meeting provided a platform for consortium members to align project
objectives, establish governance structures, and strengthen institutional collaboration. Key
discussions focused on developing a joint Master's programme in AI, Robotics and Drone
Technology, expanding collaborative research initiatives, and enhancing staff and student
mobility among the partner institutions.
As a key consortium member, JOOUST will leverage its expertise in agriculture, water and
environmental resources, and community-led innovation to support the successful
implementation of the project. The University will play a pivotal role in ensuring that research
and innovation generated through the initiative respond to local development priorities while
contributing to global scientific advancement.
The launch of the CO-KENDAI Project marks another significant milestone in JOOUST's
internationalization agenda and reinforces the University's commitment to academic excellence,
strategic partnerships, and the application of emerging technologies to advance sustainable
development and improve livelihoods in Kenya and beyond. Through this collaboration,
JOOUST continues to position itself as a leading institution in research, innovation, and
technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges.