Submissions

Health Systems, Science and Technology

Papers preferred under this sub theme are those discussing innovations in universal healthcare services, global pandemic management and preparedness, modern and advanced laboratory and diagnostic techniques, chronic disease management, drug and vaccine development, one health, zoonoses, sanitation, health policy issues, science (molecular biology and biochemistry, biosciences, chemistry, physics, botany, microbiology, zoology and mathematics), engineering, computing and information technology.

Innovations in Climate Change and Natural Resource Management

Papers preferred under this sub are those discussing innovations in climate change management, ecosystem restoration, smart and green development, sustainable resource use, disaster risk reduction, resource use conflict management.

Transformative Education for Social-Economic Adaptability

The papers under this sub theme should include education and 21^st century skills, education and global citizenship, Covid19 and education, education and vaccine nationalism, competency-based education as a curriculum innovation, teacher quality and students’ achievement, application of ICT in education, Goals, Policy, funding and quality of education.

Literature, History and Culture

The papers preferred under this sub theme are those discussing research outputs innovations in the following broad areas: Language and Literature, Language and Communication, Language, Identity and Culture, Literature and Gender, Nature of History, African History, Economic History, Gender and life course, Television Programming in Kenya, Online Community and Relationships, Change and People’s Daily Lives, Socio-cultural and Economic Community Needs, Kenyan traditions, Cultures and Customs, Ethnicity and Family issues,

Entrepreneurship, Business and Trade

The papers under this sub theme are on e-business, e-procurement, Business Environment during pandemics, Technology and Entrepreneurship, Macro and Micro Business Environment, Online Bookkeeping, Online Training, Virtual Business Meetings and Conferences, Business and Organizational Communication, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Business Ethics and Finance.

Transformative Agri-food Systems

Papers under this sub theme focus on broad issues such as crop production, soil management, crop protection, phytosanitary issues, postharvest losses, animal sciences, (production, health, livestock systems, nutrition, genomics and breeding), fisheries, antibiotic resistance in agricultural systems, food science and technology, food nutrition, emerging food borne pathogens, food value chains, chemicals in the food chain, food safety risk assessment, food  waste management, nutritional food losses, economic impact of food losses, agribusiness, food systems.

Resilience and Rupture in Governance and Geopolitics in Africa

The papers under this sub are those on COVID19 and other factors and their impact on governance, service delivery, policing, national security, electoral politics, countering violent extremism, radicalization and terrorism, geopolitics, regional conflicts such as maritime dispute and researchers working on social issues. Resilience of civil society organizations and community structures in the face of pandemics and disasters, dwindling support of development partners, and restrictions on social interactions and delivery of vital interventions to communities, Globalization Impacts, Social networking, e-government.

Education for National Development in a Global Context

Education is a crucial sector for any country, playing a critical role in national development by investing in human capital development. However, the evolving nature of the 21^st century, coupled with digitization, has posed challenges to acquiring and imparting knowledge to learners amidst the presence of a wide variety of distorted information. Further, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought the need to adapt and respond to the needs of learners as their aspirations keep on changing in this era of globalization of world economies. This points to the need to provide education that is relevant and connected to empowering young people to create jobs, respond to the employability needs of the current market and advance SDG-4 of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Abstracts, papers and posters presented under this sub-theme should focus on education for national development in a global context.

Literature, Language, Culture, Communication and the Creative Economy

Developing countries have faced a myriad of challenges in the post Covid-19 era. Some of these challenges include depressed economies, unemployment, runaway inflation, high cost of living, international terrorism, religious extremism, political instability, insecurity, human rights violations, disinformation, among others. At the same time, the post-pandemic era has seen a continuously advancing digital infrastructure which is increasingly influencing how societies create and disseminate information; cultural transmission; language, gender and representation; literature; communication, media and the general creative and political economy. Abstracts, papers and posters presented under this sub-theme should address how research and innovation can be utilized to harness the immense opportunities presented by digital infrastructure to promote the creative economy; enhance political participation and governance; promote human rights and security; reduce religious extremism and terrorism; create opportunities in the communication, media, literary and language sectors; enhance inclusivity; and expand the economy so as to reduce the cost of living and improve the quality of life.

Trends in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Advances in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are essential pillars and drivers to innovative solutions that are vital to counter challenges due to increased societal needs arising from population growth, climate change and environmental pressures. The Government of Kenya has an established policy and programme on integration of STEM from early childhood development through to graduate education. Trends in STEM are also major drivers to the advancements in ICT and the 4^th industrial revolution that is expected to alter living and working environments. Knowledge, advancement and application of STEM is vital in the development of more effective tools, toolkits, techniques and technologies, for design, development and management of infrastructure, environment, agriculture, ICT and industrial processes, with optimal consideration to resources, society, technical factors and time. Abstracts, papers and posters presented under this sub-theme should address how trends in STEM can be utilized to drive solutions and innovations that address Kenya’s identified priorities and other societal needs for sustainable development.

Sustainable and Safe Food Systems, Biotechnology and Climate-Smart Agriculture for Healthy Diets

Despite world food production keeping pace with population growth because of the Green Revolution, the United Nations has reported that the number of people affected by hunger has increased by 29.3% and 22% of children under five years of age are stunted. Many more have low-quality, unhealthy diets and micro-nutrient deficiencies leading to obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related non-communicable diseases. Food safety and nutrition are inextricably linked. To achieve optimal human health and wellbeing, people must be both well-nourished and free from foodborne diseases.  Additionally, current agro-food systems significantly impact the environment, including soil and water resources. Food systems encompass the entire range of actors and their interlinked value-adding activities involved in the production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products that originate from agriculture, forestry or fisheries. Climate change has negatively impacted on production by reducing crop yields, nutritional quality and lowering livestock productivity. Climate-smart agriculture is an integrated approach that aims at increasing productivity, enhancing resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biotechnology through genetic engineering offers methods to improve food and nutritional security by raising the quality and yield of crops. Research and development on sustainable practices and solutions are required for achieving food and nutritional security while protecting the natural resources. Therefore, this sub-theme calls for abstracts, papers and posters that focus on how research and innovation can support the use of sustainable and safe food systems, biotechnology and climate-smart agriculture for enhanced food security.

Environmental, Technical and Policy Approaches in the Context of Climate Change and Adaptation for a Resilient Society

The consequences of climate change are on a global scale. Adaptation and resilience are the changes in processes, practices, and structures to moderate potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change.  Therefore, this subtheme calls for abstracts, papers and posters that focus on: Restoration in the face of a changing climate; Innovation ecosystem for change mitigation and adaptation in a development context; Ecosystem-based adaptation to address climate change among the rural, urban and peri-urban communities; Urban planning and development; Gender and environmental governance; and the Role of Youth in conservation and Green ecosystem infrastructure as a tool in the management of peri-urban and other environments.

One Health Approach, Health System Management, Health Financing, Pandemic Preparedness and Surveillance

The health of humans, animals and ecosystems are closely interlinked and changes in these relationships can increase the risk of new human and animal diseases developing and spreading. Collaboration, communication and coordination is required between the relevant sectors.  Ensuring planetary health, proper planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services, coupled with adequate sources of financing is required to ensure proper health and pandemic control. Further, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for pandemic preparedness. In the modern interconnected world, safeguarding global health security is vital for maintaining public health for any nation. Emergency preparedness is key to controlling the emerging public health challenges at both national as well as international levels. Surveillance systems, disease modelling and forecasting play a pivotal role in both policy building, disease detection, prevention and response to potential health threats. This sub-theme calls for abstracts, papers and posters that focus on the one health approach, health system management, health financing, pandemic preparedness and surveillance.

1. Agriculture, agribusiness, food and nutrition security Sub-Theme

Strengthening emerging technologies, innovations and partnerships for efficient, inclusive, sustainable Agri-Food systems and Value chains

Description

The global food system from farm to fork is facing dramatic changes. Food production has evolved from a predominantly local effort to meet the nutritional needs of small communities to the ones dominated by sophisticated supply chains that span the globe. This sub-theme focuses on exploring transformative solutions to the complex challenges facing agri-food systems. It emphasizes the development and implementation of innovative approaches that prioritize inclusivity, foster multi-stakeholder partnerships, and leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance food security and sustainability. By integrating diverse perspectives and expertise, this sub-theme aims to identify and promote strategies that ensure equitable access to resources, strengthen resilience against environmental and economic shocks, and support the transition towards more sustainable and efficient agri-food systems.​

The key focus areas for this subtheme are: Inclusive Innovation: Developing and scaling agricultural innovations that are accessible and beneficial to all stakeholders, including marginalized and smallholder farmers, to promote equitable growth within the agri-food sector. Strategic Partnerships: Building and strengthening collaborations among governments, private sector entities, research institutions, and civil society to co-create solutions that address systemic challenges in agri-food systems. ​Sustainable Practices: Implementing practices that enhance the sustainability of food production and distribution, such as climate-smart agriculture, resource-efficient technologies, and circular economy models. Technological Advancements: Leveraging emerging technologies, including digital tools and biotechnology, to improve productivity, reduce waste, and increase the resilience of agri-food systems. ​Policy and Governance: Developing policies and regulatory frameworks that support innovation, facilitate effective partnerships, and ensure that advancements contribute to food security and environmental sustainability. ​This sub-theme aims to foster dialogue and action among researchers, students, academia, industry, private sector player, non-govermental organizations, government institutions among other stakeholders to drive the transformation of agri-food systems through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, ultimately contributing to global food security and sustainable development.​

2. Environment and Resources Development sub-theme

Community driven innovative adaptation Strategies for Environmental health and Sustainable resource management in the context of Climate change.

This will address the following areas: Human settlements and sustainable livelihood systems; Developing innovative adaptation  strategies for vulnerable communities, Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the face of climate change ; integrating technology in environmental and health resilience, Climate change and development ( promoting environmental entrepreneurship), Ecosystem based approaches to conservation and restoration and ecological health, Transitioning of renewable energy: Challenges and opportunities, Resource conflicts, environmental justice and human rights (Add)

3. Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Computing Sub-theme

‘Synergizing Engineering, Mathematics, physics and Computing for holistic Climate Change Solutions.’

Preamble

The global climate change crisis presents unprecedented challenges to ecosystems, economies and communities worldwide. It also presents unprecedented opportunity for scientists in Engineering, Mathematics, Computing and industry players to research, develop and model innovative, sustainable and adaptive solutions. While Engineers are at the forefront of designing resilient infrastructure, advancing renewable energy systems, optimizing resource usage and advancing circular economy models, a convergence of engineering, mathematics and computing will drive faster realization of such designs and solutions. This sub-theme explores the engineering climate action nexus focusing on cutting edge computational tools, advanced mathematical modelling and innovative engineering to collaboratively drive climate resilience through ground breaking technologies, sustainable construction materials, carbon reduction strategies and energy efficient systems. It recognizes the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in simulations, data-driven decision-making, AI and systems optimization that are critical in mitigating environmental impacts. By fostering knowledge exchange and innovation, this discussion aims to underscore the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in engineering sustainable systems, improving resource efficiency and building adaptive solutions for our communities.

Nanomaterials, imaging

We can leave out climte change to Environment and natural resources subtheme

4. Education, psychology and community sub-theme (Dr. Ndeke)

Unlocking Potential for all: Fostering 21st Century Competencies and Skills through Inclusivity and Technology-Enhanced Education.

The 21st century demands a fundamental shift in education that equips all learners whether in the classroom or in the community with essential competencies and skills. The Education Sub-theme "Fostering 21st Century Competencies and Skills through Inclusivity and Technology-Enhanced Education," directly addresses this imperative by emphasizing intersection of three fundamental pillars: cultivating essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication; ensuring equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for every learner, regardless of background or ability; and strategically integrating technology to enhance learning experiences and bridge existing gaps. The cultivation of vital 21st-century skills and digital literacy must be accessible to every learner, regardless of their background or learning style. It is therefore important to explore practical strategies and innovative approaches that create truly inclusive learning environments where diverse needs are not only met but celebrated. It is also important to look at the transformative power of technology including Artificial Intelligence as a catalyst for enhancing learning experiences and bridging achievement gaps. The role of AI in promoting inclusivity by providing individualized support, assistive technologies, and data-driven insights to cater for diverse learning needs cannot be ignored. Further, ethical ways to integrate technology to deepen understanding, foster engagement, and cultivate essential skills for all learners’, need to be considered. This conference sub theme will aim to explore practical strategies, share best practices, and engage in meaningful dialogue on how to collectively foster 21st-century competencies and skills through a commitment to inclusivity and the thoughtful application of technology. The sub theme will also explore on how educators, researchers, policymakers and technology developers can collaborate to harness AI and technology in building an inclusive and future-ready education systems to empower every learner to reach their full potential and thrive in the 21st century.

5. Medicine and Human Health Sub-theme

L on Information technology for timely Response, Preparedness, research innovation, Nutrition & disease Surveillance, and Health systems financing for improved Health and well-being.

The world health organization's (WHO) goal is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being. A major gap identified in Health care is timely, accurate, and systematic data on infections, deaths, viral variants, and health system responses.  In today's interconnected world, safeguarding global health security is vital for maintaining public health and economic well-being of any nation. Emergency preparedness is considered key in controlling emerging public health challenges at both national as well as international levels including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Additionally predictive information systems based on routine surveillance, that leverage appropriate technologies, disease modelling and forecasting play an important role in both response and policy formulation.  An efficient and reliable health system requires investing in prevention, preparedness and timely forecasts in order to mobilize swift and effective public health responses and mitigation efforts. The key focus of this sub-these include the various aspects of emergency preparedness with special emphasis on public health surveillance, nutrition surveillance, epidemiological modelling, Health system financing, Health systems research, leadership and governance in Health and capacity building approaches for better human resource. This sub-theme calls for dialogue and action among researchers, academia, private sector players, and all the stakeholders in reimaging the health sector which leverages information technology in all the pillars of health for better health service delivery towards the achievement of the 3^rd sustainable development Goal.

Already appearing in Agriculture subtheme Dr. Mituki please edit

6. History, Geopolitics, Philosophy and linguistics sub-theme

Subtheme: Transformative Literature, Culture, History, Indigenous knowledge, Creativity and communication

This sub theme emphasizes the power of historical narratives and cultural practices to shape individual and societal transformation. It highlights how literature, cultural expression, and history, when viewed through the lens of indigenous knowledge and creativity, can foster understanding, promote social change and empower communities. 

The areas of focus include: The impact of artificial intelligence on critical thinking: Artificial Intelligence has significantly transformed our world, and simplifying daily tasks. While the benefits of AI are undeniable, there is a growing concern that this advanced technology may be inadvertently stifling human creativity and critical thinking skills. As AI becomes more integrated into various aspects of our lives, it prompts important questions about the potential consequences of relying too heavily on machines to perform cognitive tasks that were once the exclusive domain of humans. Language and Identity in a Globalized World: A person's language choices, including accent, dialect, and vocabulary, can reflect and shape their personal and social identities. Furthermore, language can serve as a vehicle for expressing and preserving cultural and group identities. Losing a language, or the ability to use it effectively, can also impact a person's sense of self. Rethinking Media and Communication in the Era of Al: It is believed that the way in which media speak about emerging technologies can influence the public perception of their benefits and risks. Risk statements highlight the possible negative effects, real or imaginary, that a particular event could have on audiences. Just as journalism varies over space and time, what is considered a risk is deeply rooted in specific social, economic, and technological contexts. Literature, Culture, and Creativity in an AI-Influenced World: The role of AI may not replace human writers, but rather redefine how stories are crafted and consumed. Therefore, the potential for AI to contribute to Literature depends on how it is integrated into the creative process. Traditional and indigenous knowledge: Should recognize its crucial role in cultural identity, sustainable practices, and community wellbeing, emphasizing its importance for safeguarding the rights of indigenous peoples and promoting equitable access and benefit- sharing. It should also acknowledge the dynamic nature of this knowledge and the need for its preservation and revitalization.

7. Life Sciences Research for life and livelihoods sub-theme

Reclaiming the place of Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Chemistry for supporting life and livelihoods

SDG 14 (Life below water) and SDG 15 (Life on land) underscores the critical importance of biodiversity as humanity’s life-support system. Yet, the relentless depletion of forests, coupled with an alarming rate of species extinction and stagnation in safeguarding key biodiversity areas, jeopardizes the delicate balance of our ecosystems. To address the pressing global environmental challenges and crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as well as desertification, land and soil degradation, drought and deforestation, it is imperative to intensify efforts in fulfilling our global environmental and biodiversity commitments. The global challenges facing the society in the 21^st Century require solutions based on pure and applied Biological Sciences, Integrated Biosystems, Biochemistry, Chemistry and Biosecurity research key to mitigating species extinctions, biodiversity reduction, diseases, food insecurity, nutritional insecurity, poverty and climate change. This sub-theme encompasses topics related to Biodiversity conservation, Plant and Animal biochemistry, Physical, inorganic, organic chemistry, natural products discovery, Bioprospecting and biomanufacturing research outputs.

8. Social economics and gender sub-theme

Social Science Theme: Re-Thinking the Role of Social Science in providing solutions to Contemporary Societal challenges in a digital age

Description

The contemporary society faces a myriad and a new set of challenges that are not only global, but continental and national in nature. These contemporary challenges include; various forms of vulnerability (social, economic and climate induced shocks) gender and gender based violence, social inequalities. Further, the sub-theme will examine the emerging challenges in the responding and managing crime.

This sub theme will seek to open academic debate and critical enquiry into the role of the social science in addressing these social challenges of the contemporary society with a view to contributing to the realization of the Sustainable development Goals and also grounding the future practice of social science.

This Sub-theme will focus on the following;

Gender and Gender Based Violence: This will focus on a sociological and criminological examination of the role of emerging technology including AI, dual role of digital tools in Gender and GBV. The examination will include but not limited to Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV), Triple Threat, Femicide, Child Protection/safeguarding, Social Norms and systemic power structures among others.

Social Protection: The modern society faces unexpected shocks such as the one witnessed in the early part of the 2025 due to the US Defunding, protracted political and socioeconomic crisis. The consequences of these shocks have been more pronounced in low and middle income countries. There have been strides towards mitigating the shocks, however, social inequalities persist and 1.6 billion people in need of social protection remain uncovered (The World Bank, 2025). This sub section will examine the policy framework for social protection, strengthening social protection mechanism and the challenges.

Technology and the future Criminology: This will focus on emerging forms of crime, threat of terrorism, tech including AI and other forms of online Crime, evidence gathering in the age of AI and proof of crime.

Youth and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC). Youth are not only critical driver of innovation, buts also an avenue towards realization of Kenya’s Vision 2023 and sustainable development. In addition, the youth have been at the fore front of varied sexual orientations. This component will examine, youth, sexual orientation and inclusion in development planning.

10. Veterinary Medicine and Animal health (Areba)

Title: Innovating for One Health: Resilient Veterinary Systems for a Changing World

This sub-theme addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities facing veterinary medicine in the context of global climate change, pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and technological advancement. It emphasizes the role of veterinary systems in promoting animal health, food security, and public well-being through integrated One Health approaches. The focus is on harnessing innovations - ranging from digital health tools to genomic technologies-to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnostic accuracy, animal welfare, and policy integration. By bringing together veterinarians, researchers, students, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, this sub-theme seeks to foster resilient and inclusive veterinary systems that can respond effectively to both local and global health threats. The key focus areas include; precision veterinary medicine, AI, and digital health tools, Veterinary responses to climate-induced health risks, Antimicrobial stewardship and resistance management, One Health policy integration and cross-sector collaboration, Innovations in animal surgery and regenerative therapeutics, Genomic technologies and animal biotechnology, Mental health and welfare of veterinary professionals