Speaker Bio
Harriet is a force in computing research, blending over a decade of academic leadership with contributions to artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital resilience. Currently advancing her PhD in Information Systems and Technology at the United States International University, she holds an MSc in Information Science (JAIST, Japan) and a BSc in Computer Technology (JKUAT), credentials underpinning her authority in bridging theoretical innovation with real-world applications. Currently a Lecturer at Daystar University, Department of Computer Science.
A catalyst for transformative technology solutions, Harriet has secured prestigious awards and grants and led multidisciplinary teams to develop AI-driven frameworks, and optimize strategic technology adoption across industries. Her work transcends academia, having engineered scalable digital upskilling initiatives that empowered 10,000 community digital champions and over 350,000+ citizens in Kenya, directly enhancing livelihoods and combating poverty through technology literacy.
Harriet’s work spans two transformative domains at the intersection of technology and societal impact. She is pioneering AI-driven innovations for sustainable agriculture in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), designing climate-resilient farming systems and data-driven optimization strategies to combat food insecurity and lift communities out of poverty. Concurrently, she explores the ethical dimensions of AI, critically examining algorithmic bias, gender-inclusive design, and the ontological norms shaping AI systems to advance frameworks that prioritize equity, transparency, and social responsibility. Her dual focus underscores a commitment to harnessing technology as a force for both environmental sustainability and human dignity. She supports innovation with integrity, empowering with equity and securing the future through technology that serves humanity.
Harriet’s career is marked by a relentless drive to safeguard digital ecosystems while advancing equitable access to technology. A dynamic collaborator and strategic project leader, she thrives at the nexus of innovation and pragmatism, delivering solutions that empower marginalized communities and redefine industry standards.
Committed to global knowledge-sharing, she mentors emerging tech leaders and partners with institutions, governments, and NGOs to amplify the societal impact of cutting-edge research. Harriet’s mission, powered by intellectual rigor and a passion for human-centric innovation, is to forge a secure, inclusive digital future where technology becomes a cornerstone of sustainable progress.