KenyaRe-UoN Hackathon 2024

The Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (KenyaRe) and the University of Nairobi (UoN) conducted an inspiring and successful AI-4-Insurance Hackathon between 25th and 27th September 2024. It was hosted at the KenyaRe Academy at the Reinsurance Plaza. This followed the signing of a collaboration agreement between the UoN and KenyaRE on a number of areas of mutual interest.

The theme of this year’s hackathon was "Reimagining (re)insurance with Artificial Intelligence for operational efficiency"

This AI4Insurance inaugural hackathon was a unique opportunity for talented University  students from 26 universities across Kenya to leverage their expertise in real-world problem solving using AI and machine learning models. These students were passionate about innovating, automation and keen on contributing to operational efficiency in service offerings at KenyaRE.

The Objectives of the hackathon were to:

• Spark Innovation: Foster a collaborative environment where participants can develop creative solutions using AI and ML. 
• Bridge the Gap: Connect university top minds with AI talent to address everyday challenges in reinsurance. 
• Empower Efficiency: Identify solutions that streamline operations and improve processes within the reinsurance industry. 
• Develop a community of insurance AI experts: create a community of AI developers for insurance and reinsurance industry.

The Hackathon was graced and opened by KenyaRE Managing Director, Dr. Hillary M. Wachinga and the UoN DVC for Research Innovation and Enterprise, Prof. Francis Mulaa. 

Prof. David Kariuki the acting Dean Faculty of Science and Technology at UoN made a courtesy call on the Managing  Director for KenyaRE before the closing and awarding ceremony.

The KenyaRe Managing Director, Dr, Wachinga made the Awards to winners in the presence of Prof. Andrew Mwaura Kahonge, the Chair Department of Computing and Informatics.

UoN was represented by 13 students, a majority of whom are students at our Department.

The Award Winners were:

1st Prize - 200K cash and 3 month internship - Phidel Onyango - UoN

2nd Prize - 150K cash and 3 month internship - Tania Waiganjo - UoN  

3rd Prize - 100K cash and 3 month internship - James Mbeyah - UoN

4th Prize - 80k cash - Caleb Muthama - UoN

5th Prize - 50K cash - Bentley Phember - UoN

6th Prize - 10k cash - Jeremy Nyende - Meru University

7th Prize - 10k cash - Omondi Kraig Ochieng - UoN

8th Prize - 10k cash - James Murimi Maweu - JKUAT

9th Prize - 10k cash - Ryan Silu - UoN

10th Prize - 10k cash - Andrew Muchiri Kariuki - KU

The organization of the hackathon included: 

• Prof. Peter Wagacha – UoN 
• Dr Lawrence Muchemi – UoN 
• Samuel Ruugia – Kenya Re, Hackathon Team Lead  
• Davis Onsakia – Kenya Re, Customer service improvement  
• Leonard Kipngetich – Reinsurance business quotations analysis  
• Leonard Langat – Bank Reconciliation  
• Anelick Makokha – Claims processing and analysis with fraud detection capabilities  
• Mary Wangari – Reinsurance debt allocation
• Muringo Gituku - Organization and Logistics 

Through such collaborative efforts, UoN is taking a leading role in inspiring the industry to develop local hi-tech solutions to solve societal needs and inspiring the students to take up leadership roles in technology development.