Meet Prof. Muthoni Masinde, she is an internationally recognised leader in computer science known for her pioneering research that blends Indigenous Knowledge with advanced technological solutions to tackle challenges such as climate change, food security, and public health. Her work in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Neural Networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Machine Learning has gained significant global attention, particularly through her innovative drought prediction systems that integrate Indigenous Knowledge and modern computational models. These systems, implemented in Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa, benefit thousands of small-scale farmers.

Prof. Masinde is the founder of ITIKI (Information Technology and Indigenous Knowledge with Intelligence), a platform that successfully integrates scientific and Indigenous methodologies for social good. Her academic and research achievements have earned her a prestigious C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), recognising her sustained high-quality research and growing international recognition (see other NRF-rated researchers at CUT). Reviewers commended her collaborations with organisations such as USAID and the European Union, and the expansion of her work into sectors such as healthcare.

With over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings, Prof. Masinde's work has been featured by esteemed institutions such as Springer, IEEE, and ACM. Notable funding for her research includes a USD 500,000 grant from USAID’s Securing Water for Food initiative and support through South Africa’s NRF Thuthuka funding. In addition to her academic and research excellence, Prof. Masinde has contributed to the academic community through her leadership in various professional bodies, including membership in IEEE, IITPSA, and SAICSIT. She is also a sought-after expert reviewer for European Commission projects and journals, reflecting her significant influence in the global research landscape.

Prof. Masinde’s research continues to shape AI and climate resilience, and her collaborations with global institutions underscore her status as an authority in integrating Indigenous Knowledge with technology. She has extended the ITIKI framework into impactful applications, such as:

• ITIKI Plus: A mobile-based application that integrates Indigenous Knowledge and scientific agro-climate decision support for small-scale farmers to optimise crop production.
• Malaria Prediction: A model for predicting infectious disease outbreaks using Machine Learning, big climate data, and Indigenous Knowledge.

In 2017, Prof. Masinde registered URIDA PTY LIMITED, a university spin-off company that translates her research into practical, scalable solutions for rural communities, successfully bridging the gap between research, innovation, and commercialisation. 

Moreover, Prof. Masinde’s academic contributions have garnered national and international recognition. She was awarded the prestigious DST Distinguished Young Woman Scientist Award in 2016, as well as several Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards from CUT, including the 2020 Established Researcher Award and the 2018 Mid-Career Research Award. Her expertise has led to invitations to deliver keynote speeches and presentations at high-profile international conferences, such as the World Bank Food Security Forum, and to collaborate with institutions like the European Commission on over 20 research projects. She has also delivered a TED Talk.

Beyond academia, Prof. Masinde has mentored over 20 postgraduate students, with several doctoral and master’s theses expanding on the ITIKI framework to optimise agricultural practices and predict public health crises. Her ability to connect scientific research with real-world applications has made her a leading figure in both academic and community development. Her work has been featured on Voice of America and SABC.