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Kathleen Simiyu

Kathleen Simiyu is a Kenyan data scientist and artificial intelligence researcher currently serving as a Machine Learning Fellow at the Mozilla Foundation. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, language, and social impact, focused on building inclusive, ethical AI systems that reflect and serve African communities. At Mozilla, she leads efforts to develop open-source voice data and machine learning models for underrepresented African languages, particularly Kiswahili, through initiatives like Common Voice.

With a background in electrical engineering and data science, Kathleen has established herself as a leading voice in AI accessibility across the continent. Prior to joining Mozilla, she worked with organizations such as Africa’s Talking and the Artificial Intelligence for Development Africa (AI4D-Africa) initiative, advocating for responsible AI adoption and local language technology. Her work has contributed to building the foundational data needed to enable voice-enabled technologies in African contexts, spanning health, education, and civic engagement.

Beyond her technical contributions, Kathleen is a passionate advocate for gender inclusion in tech and a frequent speaker on digital rights, algorithmic bias, and the need for African leadership in global AI conversations. She continues to push for a future where AI not only reflects African realities but is shaped by African voices.