As next year’s general elections approach, young Kenyans have been urged to embrace the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent the spread of misleading or malicious information.

Innovations expert Donatus Njoroge says there has been a growing trend of some individuals misusing AI to spread rumours and false information. He, however, encouraged young people, especially students, to harness the technology for the benefit of society.

Njoroge, who serves as the Head of Innovations, Intellectual Property and Community Engagement at Mount Kenya University (MKU), advised students to use AI to enhance research, drive innovation and create employment opportunities.

Speaking at MKU in the aftermath of students who recently won various global innovation awards, he warned that the misuse of AI could make it difficult for people to distinguish between facts, half-truths and false information, particularly during the election period.

The students participated in international competitions in China and the United States, where they outshone thousands of competitors to emerge among the winners.

Njoroge noted that MKU is equipping learners with AI skills to help them create jobs and improve efficiency in different sectors at a time when the country continues to grapple with formal employment challenges.

He added that the university is working closely with government institutions and international partners to promote technology and innovation among students.

The global award winners also emphasized the importance of using AI for research and innovation among students and young entrepreneurs.

Brian Ngugi, one of the Kenyan winners of the Huawei ICT Global Finals in Shenzhen, China, where he competed against more than 220,000 participants, said some people are unfortunately misusing AI by manipulating images and information, and called for its positive use in studies, research, and income-generating activities.

He also urged the government to collaborate with universities in promoting the responsible and productive use of AI.

Another innovator, Wesley Njenga, who alongside two colleagues developed a hardware device known as Ecoscrubber and won the prestigious Wege Prize 2026 in Michigan, USA, said AI should be embraced as a tool for industrial growth and advancement.

Njenga appealed to both county and national governments to invest more in youth-led innovations, saying such support would expand opportunities for young people and help transform promising ideas into impactful solutions.