The National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) has launched the National AI Hackathon 2025, a flagship innovation challenge to develop homegrown artificial intelligence solutions to tackle Kenya’s most pressing social, economic, and security challenges.
The competition, which is open to both individuals and teams, seeks to tap into Kenya’s vibrant pool of tech talent and position the country as a continental hub for AI-driven transformation. It will run under the theme “National Prosperity: Leveraging Innovations for Sustainable Development and Security.”
Speaking during the announcement, NIRU Vice Chancellor Dr James Kibon said the initiative is designed to nurture innovation while building long-term impact through mentorship and incubation.
“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 Kibon.
According to NIRU, the hackathon will feature five challenge tracks covering cybersecurity and data protection, safety and policy, sustainable development and economic innovation, governance and public policy, and homegrown generative AI.
Registration for the competition closes on November 28, 2025, with participants drawn from all ages and regions of the country. The event is expected to ignite a new wave of indigenous AI creativity that drives economic growth, strengthens national resilience, and supports long-term prosperity.
The National AI Hackathon 2025 also comes with one of the largest prize pools ever offered for a local innovation competition. The winning team will take home Ksh 2 million, while the top individual finalist will receive Ksh 1 million.
The first runners-up will pocket Ksh 1.5 million for teams and Ksh 750,000 for individuals, while second runners-up will earn Ksh 1 million and Ksh 500,000 respectively.
There will also be additional prizes worth Ksh 300,000 for the best solutions in each sub-theme and Ksh 400,000 for outstanding work in special categories.
The initiative is spearheaded by 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 Bank, and the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Organisers say the competition will serve as a platform to showcase Kenya’s capacity to lead Africa’s AI revolution through local talent, innovation, and strategic collaboration.
“Kenya is ready to lead Africa in building AI solutions that are not only innovative but also deeply relevant to our people’s everyday challenges,” added Dr Kibon.
The hackathon marks a major milestone in Kenya’s journey toward adopting emerging technologies for national development, setting the stage for a new era of innovation-led growth.
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