Riara University and the Mozilla Foundation have taken a bold step to ramp up responsible use of computing technology through the Responsible Computing Challenge (RCC). It is designed to drive higher ethical standards in the design, adoption, and use of computing technology for work and innovation
This initiative is also in line with the University’s ambition to close inequities in science, technology, and innovation, including the gender gap, unequal access, and uneven distribution. The RCC partnership enables Riara University to redesign its computing and technology programmes, integrating the ethical principles of Responsibility, Accountability, Professionalism, Integrity, and Diversity (RAPID) to train computing professionals and develop tech innovations.
Speaking during a dissemination event for RCC’s scaling phase at the institution, the Riara University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Gateru, said that the results of the partnership demonstrate the growing need for intentionality in infusing ethics in the development of new technology.
“This is a pivotal moment for us, when we are witnessing sustained growth in Computing Science and Technology education. Nationally, enrollment in STEM and computer science programs has grown significantly,” Said Prof Gatere.
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He noted that the progress is attributed to the country’s rapid digital transformation, expansion of the tech-startup ecosystem, and increased demand for software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, AI practitioners, and Data Science experts.
“At Riara University, the number of students pursuing computer science and related STEM courses has recorded steady annual increases. Our partnership with Mozilla Foundation directly supports this momentum by strengthening the quality, ethics, and social awareness within computing programmes—key components required for a modern, inclusive digital workforce,” he added.
According to the 2024/2025 Commission of University Education (CUE) University Statistics Report, Information and Computer Technology (ICT) is now one of the most populous academic domains. There are approximately 55,000 to 60,000 students currently enrolled in ICT and Computer Science degree programs across public and private universities. While total university enrollment stands at 628,541, computer science remains a top-five growth area, despite only 25% of students being enrolled in broader STEM courses, highlighting a high concentration of interest specifically in tech.
The AI market in Kenya was projected to reach $240.8 million (KES 31B) by the end of 2025, driven by a growing pool of data scientists and machine learning engineers. Despite the growth, there is a reported critical shortage of senior AI talent, with most practitioners currently at the entry or intermediate level.
