This blog is cross posted from CGIAR Space.
By Juneweenex Mbuthia
The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), hosted a two-day training workshop on Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Modelling and the Rural Investment and Policy Analysis Artificial Intelligence (RIAPA-AI) Model on 25–26 May 2026 at the KIPPRA offices in Nairobi. The training was facilitated by Dr. James Thurlow of IFPRI.
The workshop introduced participants to the fundamentals of CGE modelling and the application of the RIAPA model in analysing the economy-wide impacts of policy interventions. Participants also gained hands-on experience using the RIAPA-AI platform, an innovative chat-driven tool that enables users to conduct policy simulations and scenario analysis without requiring specialized modelling software.
On the second day, KIPPRA and IFPRI/CGIAR held discussions on strengthening institutional collaboration. The meeting focused on the ongoing CGE training program, preparations for the KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference 2027, and opportunities for capacity sharing. Discussions were informed by the recent launch of the RIAPA-AI model by Dr. James Thurlow during the KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference in Mombasa.
A key outcome of the meeting was the proposal to establish an annual regional capacity development program on CGE Modelling for researchers across Eastern Africa. The program, expected to commence later this year, will feature both introductory and advanced training components aimed at strengthening regional expertise in evidence-based policy analysis. The training reflects KIPPRA's commitment to enhancing analytical capacity and promoting the use of innovative tools and robust evidence to support Kenya's socio-economic transformation agenda.