United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has launched two new technology programs aimed squarely at equipping Kenyans with skills for the future of work. The introduction of a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics marks a significant step by a private university to address a critical national need.

This move comes as Kenya's economy grapples with a stark contradiction. While thousands of young people remain unemployed, a recent report from BrighterMonday Kenya reveals that up to 65% of hard skills for common jobs are now automatable by AI. This creates a pressing demand for competencies that are in short supply. A 2025 SAP survey noted that 86% of Kenyan firms identify cybersecurity as their biggest skills shortage, followed closely by cloud computing and AI-related skills.

USIU-Africa's new degrees are designed to bridge this very gap. The university stated the programs are a direct response to emerging global industry needs and the immense strategic value of data and AI. The curriculum is crafted to tackle unique African challenges, from agricultural automation to healthcare access, blending technical training with ethical reasoning to ensure graduates can deploy intelligent systems responsibly.

Forging a Future-Ready Workforce

The government has recognized the urgency of this digital transition. President William Ruto recently called on all universities to integrate AI into their teaching and research, aligning with the new National AI Strategy 2025-2030. "Institutions must bridge the gap between theory and practice so that their graduates become job-creators, innovators, and central actors in Kenya's industrialisation," President Ruto emphasized.

USIU-Africa appears to be answering that call directly. The university has invested in state-of-the-art labs with programmable robots, sensors, and simulation platforms to provide students with hands-on experience. This practical approach is critical, as many employers have voiced concerns about graduates lacking real-world skills. The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has previously highlighted that training existing employees is a primary way they are forced to bridge the skills gap.

The career paths for graduates from these programs are clear and lucrative, including roles like:

• AI Engineer
• Robotics Designer
• Machine Learning Specialist
• Data Scientist and Architect
• Ethical Technologist

These roles are not just theoretical; they are in high demand. A report by Public First and Google estimates that AI could add $2.4 billion (approx. KES 310 billion) to Kenya's economy by 2030. However, this potential can only be unlocked with a skilled workforce.

The Investment in Kenya's Future

Access to such specialized education represents a significant investment for Kenyan families. While the university has not published the specific fee for the new AI and Robotics degree, the cost for the comparable Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics is KSh 220,750 per semester. The Master's program in Data Science is an online course, reflecting a modern, flexible approach to learning.

This initiative is part of a broader trend of partnerships aimed at boosting Kenya's tech talent pool. The Open University of Kenya recently partnered with a global software firm to train 100 AI learners who will be placed directly into jobs. Similarly, the government is collaborating with UNESCO and the University of Oxford to offer AI courses for public servants.

While details on industry partnerships for the new USIU-Africa programs remain forthcoming, the university has stated students will benefit from collaborations with industry leaders and research institutes. For a nation aspiring to be a continental tech hub, producing graduates who can build, manage, and ethically govern AI systems is no longer an option—it is the only way forward. As Magdalene Chepkemoi, a tech entrepreneur, noted at a recent US-Kenya partnership seminar, "Technology is disrupting old ways of education." USIU-Africa's new programs are a clear signal that the institution is embracing that disruption.