By Tracy Kavai
Machakos, Kenya — 4 February 2026.Daystar University has marked a significant milestone in research and innovation following the achievement of Ms. Harriet Mwango, a faculty member in the School of Science, Engineering and Health, whose work has advanced from institutional support to international recognition.
In 2025, Mwango received an internal research grant from Daystar University through the Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (DRICE). The funding enabled her to develop and validate her idea, moving it from proof of concept to a solution with clear commercial and social relevance.
Building on this foundation, her work has now earned global recognition after securing a competitive external award under the AI Challenge Program 2025. The program is sponsored by the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme (UK DAP) and implemented in Kenya by KICTANet. Through the award, Mwango secured KES 2 million in funding for her project, “AI for Financial Inclusion in Rural Kenya”, with implementation running through March 2026.
The project leverages artificial intelligence to address barriers to access to financial services in underserved rural communities. By applying AI-driven solutions, the initiative seeks to enhance financial inclusion, expand economic participation, and promote empowerment among populations that remain largely excluded from the formal financial system.
Mwango’s success strongly validates Daystar University’s Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (RICE) framework, which is designed to nurture ideas from early-stage research to market-ready solutions. Her transition from an internal university grant to an internationally funded award demonstrates the impact of strategic institutional investment in innovation and its ability to attract external confidence.
Beyond individual achievement, the award positions Daystar University as a credible hub for research excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. The university has hailed Mwango’s journey as an inspiration to students and researchers seeking to transform locally nurtured ideas into impactful solutions with global relevance.
