Institutions of higher learning are under increasing pressure to implement stronger security measures to ensure students safety, especially following a rise in student murders on campuses.
Dr Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, stressed the need to integrate AI-driven security systems and smart education solutions to enhance both campus safety and the quality of learning.
“It is now time for universities to seize this opportunity and implement transformative solutions,” Dr Inyangala said in a speech read on her behalf by Dr Aurelia Rono, PS for Parliamentary Affairs.
Speaking at the Hikvision Safe Campus and Smarter Education open day hosted by the University of Embu in Nairobi, Inyangala said that these technologies would not only improve security but also create opportunities to foster creativity and equip students with essential skills for the future.
“This will not only secure the future of our institutions but also propel students toward success in an ever-evolving world,” she added.
Recent studies, such as the AAU Campus Climate Survey, have highlighted troubling trends in sexual misconduct and other crimes on campuses.
Additionally, the 2020 ‘Indicators of School Crime and Safety’ report notes that 38 per cent and 36 per cent of recorded crimes were burglaries and forcible sex offenses, respectively.
Security programmes
Given these statistics, the PS emphasized that colleges must implement robust campus security programs to attract prospective students.Furthermore, Inyangala urged universities to invest in professional development programs to equip educators for the integration of AI into teaching practices.
“Universities must build confidence among teachers, and providing them with the necessary skills will ensure that AI becomes a tool to enhance learning outcomes and bridge gaps in education,” she said.
Embu University Vice Chancellor Prof Daniel Mugendi also highlighted the importance of student and staff safety for academic success.
“Safe campuses and smart education, enabled by the revolutionary technology of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), are crucial to fostering secure and effective learning environments,” Prof Mugendi explained. He emphasized the importance of implementing biometric security systems, enhanced surveillance, and night patrols to deter unauthorized access.
Petter Yang, General Manager of Hikvision Kenya, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in reshaping higher education.
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“AI holds tremendous potential to reshape higher education in several ways,” Yang noted, pointing to its ability to adapt lessons to students’ learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses.
Prof Fred Simiyu, Vice Chancellor of Taita Taveta University, urged institutions to embrace smart campus solutions to stay ahead of emerging threats.