The National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) invites tech enthusiasts from across the country to register for the National AI Hackathon 2025—a flagship competition designed to develop homegrown artificial intelligence solutions that address Kenya’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.

Participants may register individually or in teams, as the initiative seeks to tap into Kenya’s dynamic pool of young innovators and position the nation as a continental leader in AI-driven transformation.

The Hackathon is poised to spark a new wave of indigenous AI innovations, drive economic growth, enhance national resilience, and contribute to Kenya’s long-term security and prosperity.

“The AI Hackathon 2025 is a chance for Kenyan innovators to build homegrown solutions. We will incubate the top innovators, mentoring and supporting them to turn their ideas into real-world impact,” said Dr James Kibon, Vice Chancellor, NIRU.

Running under the theme of National Prosperity: Leveraging Innovations for Sustainable Development and Security, the hackathon is open to Kenyans of all ages. Registration closes on November 28, 2025.

Participants will compete across five challenge tracks of Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Security, Safety & Policy, Sustainable Development & Economic Innovation, Governance, Public Policy & Political Stability, and Homegrown Generative AI.

National AI Hackathon 2025 Prizes

The competition features one of the largest prize pools for a national innovation challenge.

The overall winning team will take home Ksh 2 million, while the top individual finalist stands to win Ksh 1 million.

First runners-up will receive up to Ksh 1.5 million for teams or Ksh 750,000 for individuals, while second runners-up will be awarded up to Ksh 1 million for teams or Ksh 500,000 for individuals.

Additional prizes include Ksh 300,000 for the best solution in each sub-theme and Ksh 400,000 for outstanding work in special categories.

The initiative is spearheaded by the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU), in partnership with leading academic institutions and private-sector players, including the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), Strathmore University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Open University of Kenya, the Co-operative University of Kenya, Equity Bank, KCB and the Communication Authority of Kenya.
Full details are available on the official portal: https://aihackathon.niru.ac.ke/.

About NIRU

The National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) is a premier African institution dedicated to excellence in science, technology, and intelligence education.

With a global outlook, NIRU is committed to empowering the intelligence community through innovative academic programs and cutting-edge research. Guided by its core values — Excellence, Integrity, Academic Freedom, Collaboration, and Innovation — NIRU fosters a learning environment where knowledge meets purpose.

The university actively contributes to national and regional development by producing skilled professionals equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of intelligence and security.

NIRU continues to grow as a center of academic distinction, building partnerships and nurturing future leaders in the intelligence sector.

For more information, visit https://niru.ac.ke/

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Ready to Shape the Future? Join the AI Hackathon 2025. PHOTO/NIRU.