Authors : Agwenyi C. A.; Nambiro Alice; Etene Yonah

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4jcp6fxz

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4hp7p3ff

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May799

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : As Kenya solidifies its position as Africa’s "Silicon Savannah," its higher education sector faces a transformative shift driven by Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). This study utilizes an integrated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework to investigate the factors influencing Gen AI adoption among researchers in Kenyan universities. While institutional investments (TOE) and perceived usefulness (TAM) drive initial interest, significant barriers including high cognitive load, ethical "black-box" skepticism, and infrastructure deficits hinder deep integration. Using a mixed-methods approach, the paper identifies "Identity Protection" and "Digital Sovereignty" as unique local drivers. The findings suggest that for Kenya to lead the academic AI frontier, policy must move beyond procurement toward human-centric trust calibration.

Keywords : Generative AI, Silicon Savannah, Higher Education, TAM-TOE Framework, Kenya, Research Innovation.

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