How Young Refugees in Kenya Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Solve Community Challenges
Kakuma, 12 October 2026
Displaced youth from Kenya’s Kakuma and Dadaab camps have won national science awards by developing innovative artificial intelligence solutions to tackle local agricultural, educational, and administrative hurdles.
Breakthrough Innovations at National STEM Fair
Young innovators residing in Kenya’s Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps showcased their artificial intelligence and scientific creations at the National Science and Technology Exhibition for Youth, held at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi from 5 to 8 August 2026 [1]. More than 20 teams from the refugee camps participated in the STEM event, which centered on the theme of shaping the future of artificial intelligence in Kenya [1]. The exhibition provided a platform for displaced youth to demonstrate how advanced digital tools can address critical everyday challenges facing their local communities, ranging from essential service access to climate adaptation [1].
Digitising Identity and Administrative Access
Among the most decorated achievements was the “Virtual Alien Identification System,” created by 17-year-old students Mohamed and Paite from Hilac Comprehensive School in Dadaab [1]. The digital platform securely manages refugee identity details, archives educational certificates, and distributes information regarding employment opportunities and academic scholarships [1]. Their technical invention secured both the Best Innovation Award and the UNICEF Special Award for Innovation for Every Child [1].
Engineering Solutions for Agriculture and Climate Adaptation
Agricultural challenges in aridity-prone settings inspired several notable projects designed by the students [1]. Nyuna and Mildred from Kakuma Refugee Secondary School engineered a “Bio-Fusion Treatment” that utilizes plant extracts to control invasive weeds and agricultural pests, directly supporting smallholder crop productivity [1]. Simultaneously, 17-year-old innovators Hani and Sheila from Hilac Comprehensive School unveiled “Pamoja Pasture,” an AI-driven system designed to inform pastoralist communities about available grazing land and water resource locations [1].
Academic Recognition and Institutional Support
Climate resilience solutions also earned accolades in the basic sciences [1]. Nasteh and Idris from Hagadera Secondary School in Dadaab captured top honours in the Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics category for their project aiding pastoral communities in navigating climate change impacts [1]. Educational accessibility was further addressed by Rajabu and Ngori from Blue State Secondary School in Kakuma, who developed “Mwalimu AI,” an artificial intelligence learning platform that adapts educational material to individual student learning speeds [1].
Sustained Livelihoods through PROSPECTS Partnership
These youth-led advances have been supported by PROSPECTS, a multi-agency partnership funded by the Netherlands Government since 2019 across eight nations, including Kenya [1]. Operating as a joint effort between UNICEF, UNHCR, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the World Bank, the initiative focuses on expanding digital skills, education, and employment pathways for displaced populations [1]. Reflecting on the students’ success, UNICEF Kenya Deputy Representative Mahboob Bajwa noted that the accomplishments demonstrate that talent knows no boundaries, showing that transformative ideas can emerge from any school or community when children are granted appropriate opportunities [1].