Prof. Johnson Kinyua, Associate Teaching Professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania State University (USA), delivered his keynote address on the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics in shaping next-generation sustainable smart cities.

From 16-17 April 2026, the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBIT) hosted its inaugural International Conference on Sustainable Smart Cities, themed “Innovative Strategies for Integrating Technology, Infrastructure and Resilience.”

The conference brought together academics, researchers, practitioners, and students from diverse disciplines to exchange ideas, present emerging research, and explore practical solutions for building sustainable and resilient cities. It provided a valuable platform to reflect on the role of technology in addressing urban challenges, while also considering the ethical, social, and environmental implications of smart city development. Through this initiative, CUT continues to position itself as a key contributor to smart city research in the Global South.

In her welcome and opening address, Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean of FEBIT, reflected on the motivation and vision behind establishing the conference. She emphasised that, although many universities and engineering faculties already host conferences, this initiative represents a new and deliberate academic direction for both the faculty and the institution. The focus on sustainable smart cities, she noted, was a conscious choice grounded in real societal challenges and the need for practical, interdisciplinary solutions rather than purely theoretical discourse.

Prof. Masinde expressed strong confidence that the conference will grow in stature over the coming decade, driven by the energy, leadership, and innovation of a new generation of researchers and academics already contributing to this field. Importantly, she called for the conference to amplify African voices and narratives within the global smart city conversation. She stressed that African urban contexts require African-led thinking, research, and innovation, rather than the wholesale adoption of solutions developed in the Global North.

Setting the tone for the conference, keynote speaker Prof. Johnson Kinyua, Associate Teaching Professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania State University (USA), delivered an address on the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics in shaping next-generation sustainable smart cities. He highlighted how these technologies, supported by edge computing and cloud infrastructure, form the backbone of modern urban systems. “By transforming data into actionable intelligence, cities are better equipped to respond to the pressures of rapid urbanisation while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to resilient infrastructure, inclusive communities, and climate action,” he said.

In conclusion, Prof. Kinyua emphasised that the future of smart cities lies not only in advanced technologies, but also in responsible, human-centred, and sustainable innovation that prioritises people, the environment, and long-term resilience.

The event brought together academics, researchers, practitioners, and students from a wide range of disciplines.