Leveraging artificial intelligence for academic and administrative accountability in Kenyan universities

Abstract

Kenyan universities face growing public pressure to demonstrate quality and transparency yet persistent operational hurdles ranging from plagiarism and resource leakage to sluggish student feedback continue to compromise institutional integrity. This study examined how Artificial Intelligence (AI), coupled with strategic educational leadership and governance can address these systemic accountability deficits. Through a desktop review of theoretical and conceptual literature, the study evaluated practical fit of key AI tools within the Kenyan Higher education context by focusing on learning analytics, automated grading systems, plagiarism detection software, and blockchain-based credentialing. Findings indicate that AI can significantly sharpen institutional oversight by providing real-time data on campus operations. Specifically, smart learning management systems afford faculty objective insights to identify at-risk students and assess coursework consistently while automated administrative workflows reduce human error and minimize opportunities for corruption in admissions and financial management. However, technology alone cannot resolve these structural issues as deploying AI across Kenyan campuses introduces notable friction regarding digital inequality, data security vulnerabilities, and algorithmic bias. To achieve effective adoption, the study recommends that national policymakers should establish robust regulatory frameworks governing data privacy and ethical fairness. Simultaneously, university leadership should commit direct funding toward fundamental digital infrastructure and practical skills training for staff and students. As a result, AI should not supplant human judgement but instead augment it to foster a more equitable, transparent, and trustworthy academic environment.