The Director General (DG) of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji urged the youths to maintain peace.

Speaking during his visit to the Swahilipot hub, Haji noted that peace provides a conducive environment for an ecosystem that enables the youth and their communities to thrive.

Kenya is a peaceful and stable nation, and it is imperative for the youth and our communities to get a feel of how this is achieved.

“National Security stability enables us first as a nation to function optimally as we equally remain competitive in the rapidly changing global arena,” said Noordin Haji.

Noordin Haji Encourages Creativity

Haji added that it is essential for young people to understand that Kenya does not practice censorship or restrict the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.

“We encourage creativity. The State is guided by one key principle that a nation’s future rests on the innovation, positive productivity, and creativity of its youth. The youth need to be responsible and remain objective in their content creation so that “the future of our nation is not compromised” the DG explained in regards to the use of social media in the context of National security. Content has a behavioural impact.

DG Message to Swahilipot

Furthermore, the DG appreciated Swahilipot for nurturing talents and mentoring the youth in the coastal region.

At the same time, Noordin Haji urged the youth to participate in the National Intelligence & Research University (NIRU) AI hackathon competition slated for March 2026 and build solutions for issues like cyber security, data protection, governance & social challenges, among others.

He urged the youth to think creatively, anticipate emerging trends, and position themselves to seize future opportunities, noting the vast potential in harnessing the country’s natural capital, particularly its mineral resources.

Also Read: NIRU Announces Next Steps Following Over 5,000 Registrations for AI Hackathon

What AI Hackathon is All About

The NIRU Centre for Research and Innovation has launched the AI Hackathon 2025, a national competition that challenges Kenya’s innovators to develop artificial intelligence solutions.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable development, good governance, and national security.

The competition offers a total prize pool of over KSh 10 million, making it one of the most lucrative innovation contests in the country.

Also Read: NIRU Launches Ksh10 Million AI Hackathon; How to Participate

The top overall team will take home KSh 2 million, while the best individual participant will receive KSh 1 million. The second-place team will earn KSh 1.5 million, and the third-place team KSh 1 million, with individual prizes of KSh 750,000 and KSh 500,000, respectively.

Additional awards include KSh 300,000 for winners in each subtheme and KSh 400,000 each for the best participant with disabilities, the top rookie undergraduate, and the best female innovator.

Finalists will also receive branded hampers, mentorship, and incubation support to help turn their ideas into viable startups.

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DG Noordin Haji speaking during the Swahilipot hub event ahead of AI Hackathon. PHOTO/Courtesy