DU-BRAINS AI
CONFERENCE 2026

Conference Convener

Prof.  Laban Peter Ayiro, FCS, PhD, ss

Vice-Chancellor of Daystar University

Prof. Laban P. Ayiro is a distinguished academic leader, scholar, author, researcher, governance expert, and Vice-Chancellor of Daystar University. Widely respected for his transformative leadership in higher education nationally & globally, he has championed institutional growth, research excellence, innovation, quality assurance, and evidence-based decision-making.

Conference Committee Chair

Prof. Egara Kabaji

VP of PAWA & Chairman of WAK

Prof. Egara Kabaji is one of East Africa's most respected literary scholars, public intellectuals, creative writers, and higher education leaders. He is widely celebrated for his pioneering contribution to literary communication, African cultural scholarship, public communication, and institutional development across the region.

Secretariat Lead

Dr. Caroline Ayuya

Director of DRICE, Daystar University

Dr. Caroline Ayuya Muaka is a clinical psychologist, Senior Lecturer, researcher, and current Director of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for the university's research agenda, innovation ecosystem, internal grants, and commercialization pathways.

Session Chair

Prof. Edward Owino, PhD

Associate Professor

Prof. Edward Owino is a respected scholar, research methods expert, mentor, and Associate Professor at Daystar University. His work has significantly contributed to strengthening research culture, scholarly inquiry, and postgraduate supervision within the university and beyond.

Session Chair

Dr. Jane Wanja Ireri

Dean, SSEH

Dr. Jane Wanja Ireri Kimathi is a scholar of applied mathematics, STEM leader, and Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Health. She is widely recognized for her leadership in science education, curriculum innovation, quality assurance, and the advancement of women in STEM.

Session Chair

Dr. Japheth Mursi, PhD

Deputy Director, DRICE

Dr. Japheth Kiplang’at Mursi is a lecturer in the School of Science, Engineering and Health and the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. He plays a central role in advancing Daystar’s research, AI, and technology-driven partnerships.

Session Chair

Mr. Fredrick Michael Ogore

Director, Design for Delight

Lecturer, CS & ICT

Mr. Fredrick Michael Ogore is a Computer Science and ICT lecturer and an innovation-driven technology educator with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, software engineering, human-centred interaction, design thinking, immersive learning, spatial AI, and the Internet of Things. He also serves as the Director of the Design for Delight Directorate and Team Lead for Spatial AI Implementation, where he drives institutional innovation and the integration of advanced technologies into academic and administrative practice.

Session Chair

Dr. Monica Opiyo, PhD

Deputy Director of Graduate School

Dr. Monica Opiyo is a biomedical scientist, lecturer, researcher, and Deputy Director of the Graduate School at Daystar University. She serves within the School of Science, Engineering and Health, where she contributes significantly to biomedical science training, postgraduate supervision, graduate quality assurance, and research mentorship.

Session Chair

Prof. Richard Onyino Simwa, PhD

Associate Professor at Daystar

Prof. Richard Onyino Simwa is an accomplished mathematician, statistician, actuarial scientist, and Associate Professor of Statistics and Actuarial Science at Daystar University. He is widely recognized as one of the pioneer lecturers in Actuarial Science in East Africa and has contributed significantly to the development of statistical and actuarial training in the region.