Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving tool revolutionizing many aspects of healthcare. AI has been predominantly used in medicine and healthcare administration, its widespread adoption in public health began only began recently, with the advent of Covid-19. AI has supported public health delivery through disease modeling, risk prediction, misinformation control, surveillance, disease forecasting and pandemic/epidemic management.
The gender gap in AI is a major issue. Globally, only 22% of AI professionals are women, a disparity with serious implications, particularly in public health, where AI is increasingly being used to drive decisions. When data is shaped predominantly by men, the resulting algorithms can be unintentionally biased, leading to policies and systems that overlook women needs, including in public health.
In Kenya, the challenge is even more pronounced. Girls and young women, particularly in rural areas, have limited or no access to AI or data science training, unlike their counterparts in private, high-cost city schools. Consequently, their perspectives are absent from key discussions on healthcare, technology, and policy. This lack of diversity is not just a gender issue; it’s a public health issue. Excluding diverse voices means missing potential solutions to critical health challenges, from maternal mortality to disease outbreaks.
The ENGAGE project—ENabling Girls in AI and Growing Expertise in Data Science—was created to tackle this issue directly. Focusing on underprivileged girls and young women in rural Kenya, it aims to bridge the gender gap in AI while addressing local health challenges. Over the next five years, we plan to train over 1,000 girls and young women across three levels: high school, diploma and university. This approach ensures that participants not only acquire AI skills but also gain the confidence and experience to apply them effectively.
AI is a powerful tool in public health with the potential to revolutionize how we predict, prevent, and manage diseases. However, for AI to truly benefit all communities, it must be designed and implemented by diverse teams, including women, especially those from underserved areas.
Currently, most AI models are developed by men, and studies show these models often reflect their creators’ unconscious biases. For example, research has found some AI healthcare tools are less accurate for women or people from minority groups as the data used to train these systems may not adequately represent these populations.
The ENGAGE project aims to change this narrative. By training young women in AI and machine learning, we are not just teaching them to code; we are equipping them to critically evaluate data and build systems that serve their communities equitably. The skills they gain will help address the biases that currently plague AI, ensuring that future public health solutions are more inclusive and effective.
The focus on girls and young women is deliberate. In Kenya, as in many parts of the world, girls are underrepresented in STEM fields, including AI and data science. The reasons are complex and range from socio-cultural norms to lack of access to quality education. The result is a gender gap that perpetuates inequality and limits our country’s potential to innovate and grow.
Through ENGAGE, we aim to reverse this trend. We are targeting girls with a strong aptitude in maths especially those from rural areas who would otherwise have little opportunity to explore fields like AI. These girls will receive training in AI, public health, and data science. They will also participate in internships and capstone projects that allow them to apply their knowledge to real-world public health challenges.
The ENGAGE project empowers young women to lead in their communities, providing hands-on training in AI and public health. Each participant will complete a capstone project focused on a real-world issue, such as tracking disease outbreaks or improving maternal healthcare. They will also undertake a six-week paid internship with a local health organisation, gaining valuable insights into Kenya’s healthcare system and building networks. UoN has partnered with six regional universities to ensure broader coverage and sustainability, creating a pipeline of female AI professionals. Closing the gender gap in AI ensures public health systems serve everyone. Prof Oyugi is the Director of Research at UNITID and Principal Investigator of the ENGAGE Project at UoN. The ENGAGE project is sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
