MMUST Kicks Off Preparations to Host Africa’s First World Conference on Digital Inclusion and Neurodiversity in May 2027
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has begun preparations to host Africa’s first world conference on Digital Inclusion and Neurodiversity, scheduled for May 2027. The conference is set to showcase achievements, research findings, practical lessons and digital innovations from the European Union-funded project, titled ‘Digital Transformation for NeuroDiversity Inclusion in Africa and Asia (AAN-DI)’. On Friday, 14th August, 2026, the University held its 1st planning meeting for the event, which is expected to convene global participants, and key AAN-DI project partners, including University of Jyväskylä (JYU)-Finland, MMUST, University of Valencia-Spain, Great Lakes University Kisumu (GLUK), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and University of Kashmir (KU). The proposed theme of the conference is ‘From Research to Practice: Advancing Inclusive Digital Approaches for Neurodivergent Individuals’.
DVC (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Christopher Ngacho addresses participants during the world conference inaugural planning meeting.
The inaugural planning meeting was graced by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Christopher Ngacho, who represented the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo. Recognizing that MMUST’s AAN-DI project team members stem from the School of Education (SEDU), Prof. Ngacho commended SEDU for its strong research output and for attracting such high-impact projects that elevate the University’s international standing. “As you gear up towards the dissemination conference, begin pursuing new project opportunities to ensure continuity beyond AAN-DI,” urged the DVC.
Dean-SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi, speaks at the meeting.
The Dean-SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi, applauded the MMUST AAN-DI project team, led by the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Edward Khasakhala, for enhancing the visibility of both the School and the University. “I also appreciate the University Management for supporting research, particularly through seed grants that have benefited several teams in my School. Let us work together and engage as many people as possible to ensure this conference is a success,” said Prof. Poipoi, who is also a member of the project. Echoing these sentiments, the Associate Dean of the School-Dr. Musera Geoffrey Ababu added, “we are very proud to host this conference as dissemination is the most critical phase of any research initiative.”
MMUST’s PI in the AAN-DI project, Dr. Edward Khasakhala, gives his remarks at the meeting.
“The AAN-DI project was implemented across five work packages, with MMUST leading Work Package 5 on impact and dissemination. As part of this role, partner organizations tasked MMUST with hosting the global dissemination conference. The agenda for this meeting is to therefore establish the conference themes, form working committees and set key timelines, particularly for the call for abstracts. Ultimately, the success of this conference will define the overall success of the AAN-DI project,” stated MMUST’s PI in the project, Dr. Edward Khasakhala. On his part, the University Co-PI, Prof. Kennedy Bota, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “this is a crucial conference for our institution, and I am glad preparations are starting this early. Let us remain committed to ensuring its success.”
The MMUST Co-PI in the AAN-DI project, Prof. Kennedy Bota, speaks at the event.
The other MMUST AAN-DI project team members present during the inaugural planning meeting were; Prof. Peter Odera, Dr. Eunice Majanga, Dr. Billy Ouda, Dr. Fredrick Matofari, Dr. Manson Sichari and Dr. Josephine Nyamwange. Notably, the Chief Officer for Special Programmes in Kakamega County, Mr. Henry Marende Kamuyu, was also in attendance.
The Chief Officer for Special Programmes in Kakamega County, Mr. Henry Marende Kamuyu, addresses participants.
The AAN-DI project, which consists of six (6) consortium beneficiaries and more than ten (10) associated partners, aims at championing self-reliance for neurodivergent individuals, using adapted digital tools that support their professional skills, mental health, wellbeing, and their neurodivergent needs. As the project approaches its conclusion in 2027, all eyes are now on MMUST to host the first-ever conference in Africa on Neurodiversity inclusion. This historic event will certainly place the University on the global map as a hub for inclusive education, cutting-edge research and transformative digital innovation.
By Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Griffin Okwaro
