By: Mariam Kidhangi
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has stepped up efforts to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly technology-driven workplace, with a focus on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and professional development.
The Directorate of Career Services, led by Dr. Juliana Asser, on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, hosted a career talk on AI in Education at the Assembly Hall. The session brought together hundreds of students from different academic departments and featured experts from Beyonddata ICT, Director Emmanuel Madanga and Impact Evaluator Isaac Otieno.
The sensitisation session provided students with an opportunity to explore how AI is transforming education, careers, innovation and the workplace. Discussions focused on practical ways students can understand and responsibly use AI as a tool to complement their skills and enhance their professional preparedness.
Speaking during the session, Mr. Madanga encouraged students to approach AI with an open mind and invest time in understanding how the technology works and how it can support their academic and professional development.
“Understand it. Learn from it. Use it to enhance your studies,” he said.
He challenged students to become knowledgeable and responsible users of AI rather than viewing the technology primarily as a threat to employment. He urged them to focus on developing skills that will enable them to work effectively in environments where AI is becoming an integral part of professional practice.
Mr. Otieno took students through practical applications of AI across different sectors, demonstrating how the technology is already being used to support innovation, improve processes and address workplace challenges. His presentation helped students connect AI concepts with real-world applications relevant to their respective fields.
In her remarks, Dr. Asser encouraged students to use AI as a tool for learning, creativity and personal branding while maintaining their own initiative and originality.
“Use AI to create and market your own work. Let it help you discover and nurture your career path, but never let it replace your own effort and creativity,” she said.
The session also encouraged students to think critically about the changing nature of work and the importance of continuous learning. Rather than waiting for technological changes to shape their careers, students were urged to acquire relevant skills and explore emerging opportunities associated with AI and other digital technologies.
The engagement forms part of TUM’s continued efforts to prepare students for the demands of a changing labour market through career guidance, industry exposure and opportunities to engage with professionals and emerging technologies.
