Govt Launches Hacking Competition With Millions In Prize Money Up For Grabs

Tech innovators across Kenya now have a chance to compete for millions in prize money as the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) unveiled the National AI Hackathon 2025 — a groundbreaking challenge designed to spark homegrown artificial intelligence solutions for Kenya’s future.

The competition features one of the biggest prize pools in Kenya’s innovation scene. The overall winning team will walk away with Ksh 2 million, while the top individual finalist bags Ksh 1 million.

The first runners-up will receive up to Ksh 1.5 million (teams) or Ksh 750,000 (individuals), and second runners-up stand to win up to Ksh 1 million (teams) or Ksh 500,000 (individuals).

Photo of the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU)

Special prizes include Ksh 300,000 for the best solution in each sub-theme and Ksh 400,000 for outstanding innovations in select categories.

Registration

Registration for the hackathon — themed “National Prosperity: Leveraging Innovations for Sustainable Development and Security” — is open to Kenyans of all ages until November 28, 2025. Participants can join individually or in teams, competing across five challenge tracks:

• Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Security, Safety & Policy

• Sustainable Development & Economic Innovation

• Governance, Public Policy & Political Stability

• Homegrown Generative AI

“The AI Hackathon 2025 is a chance for Kenyan innovators to build homegrown solutions. We will incubate the top innovators, mentoring and supporting them to turn their ideas into real-world impact,” said Dr. James Kibon, Vice Chancellor of NIRU.

The initiative seeks to position Kenya as a continental leader in AI-driven transformation, while accelerating solutions that enhance national resilience, boost economic growth, and strengthen long-term security.

The hackathon is being spearheaded by NIRU in collaboration with top partners from academia and the private sector, including the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), Strathmore University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Open University of Kenya and Co-operative University of Kenya.

Private sector players include Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and the Communications Authority of Kenya. Full details are available on the official portal: https://aihackathon.niru.ac.ke/.

About NIRU

Owned and managed by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) is a premier African institution dedicated to excellence in science, technology, and intelligence education. 

With a global outlook, the government institution is committed to empowering the intelligence community through innovative academic programs and cutting-edge research.

Guided by its core values — Excellence, Integrity, Academic Freedom, Collaboration, and Innovation — NIRU fosters a learning environment where knowledge meets purpose.

The public university actively contributes to national and regional development by producing skilled professionals equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of intelligence and security. 

NIRU continues to grow as a center of academic distinction, building partnerships and nurturing future leaders in the intelligence sector.

As Kenya races to harness the power of AI for national progress, the National AI Hackathon 2025 could mark a defining moment — one where young innovators turn ideas into impact, and Kenya cements its place as the region’s tech powerhouse.