This call seeks to fund engineering research in Kenyan universities or research institutions that leverage advances in AI and exploit both the computational and LoRaWAN infrastructure installed by KENET. In addition, this call seeks to support early-career PhD faculty and/or researchers in advancing emerging areas of Artificial Intelligence through work that combines technical depth with demonstrable, real-world implementation. The grant is designed to catalyze the development of innovative ideas into functional pilots or prototypes that can be tested, refined, and shared as practical reference models.

The call, thus, aims to strengthen institutional capacity in priority AI domains while generating insights, tools, and systems that can be adopted, adapted, and built upon by students, researchers, and other institutions.
This call for proposals targets early career PhD faculty and/or researchers in the SIG in Engineering academic area. Principal Investigators are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues from other academic disciplines where relevant.
Engineering Research and Innovation Grant: Areas of Focus
The areas of focus for this round of funding are:

1. AI in locally relevant engineering research
2. Internet of Things in locally relevant engineering research

Eligibility
Applicants must:

1. Have a PhD in one of the engineering disciplines awarded within the last 10 years.
2. Have an existing research team or show proof of the ability to establish a research team at their university. This team must include full-time postgraduate students.
3. Be based at an accredited engineering program at a Kenyan university with active postgraduate programs.
4. Show a track record of postgraduate student supervision.
5. Have published work in peer reviewed journals and conferences indexed in Scopus or Web of Science.
6. Obtain written approval from the Head of Department and Dean/Director of respective school of engineering.

Concept Note Submission.
Concept notes with all supporting documentation should be sent via email to enggrants@kenet.or.ke  by 10th July 2026, 5.00PM EAT.
Enquiries and applicant support
All enquiries and requests for further information related to this call should be addressed to grantsadmin@kenet.or.ke.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CALL OF PROPOSAL