Hi, my name is Maina, and I’m the founder of FuKazee.
FuKazee was born out of one simple idea: the future of work and school depends on how well we adapt to new technologies. The word FuKazee itself comes from “Future of Kazi (work).” Our mission is to bridge the knowledge gap that technology creates, helping people not just keep up—but thrive.
How It All Started
When ChatGPT was released on November 30, 2022, the world changed forever. Suddenly, the ability to brainstorm, analyze, and problem‑solve was no longer locked behind specialized experts or costly consultants. For the first time, ordinary people had direct access to a tool that could level the playing field.
But there’s a catch: only people who know how to use these tools will actually benefit from them.
I learned this firsthand. Around me, colleagues and friends struggled to make sense of AI—how it could assist in research, lighten workloads, or boost creativity. One friend asked me for help with her work, and after I showed her what was possible, she was blown away. She told more friends, they reached out, and soon I had people calling me just to learn how to integrate AI into their daily work.
That’s when I knew there was a huge need—not for more flashy tech—but for practical, human‑centered AI training.
Why Postgraduates?
As I worked with different people, one group stood out: postgraduate students.
PhD and Master’s students reached out, overwhelmed by endless research, delayed timelines, and the pressures of balancing work, family, and school. Some had been stuck in their programs for a decade or more.
Three out of four postgraduates I spoke to had extended their timelines by at least two years. Literature reviews that should take weeks stretched into months. Researchers felt isolated, behind, and overburdened.
That’s when I asked myself: Could AI make this process easier? Faster? Less draining?
The answer was a resounding yes. AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT could simplify literature reviews, generate insights from vast amounts of data, structure complex writing projects, and even assist in brainstorming research questions. With the right training, these tools could become a postgraduate’s assistant—advisor, editor, and time‑saver all in one.
The Birth of The ScholarShift Accelerator
To put this vision into action, I created the ScholarShift Accelerator Program. It’s a 2‑week, hands‑on program designed to teach postgraduate students how to master AI tools for research, writing, data analysis, and beyond.
The design is simple but powerful:
- Eight online evening sessions (Monday to Thursday) to fit around busy schedules.
- Two in‑person workshops that allow for personalized guidance and practice.
- Daily action items to make sure skills are applied right away.
- A customized AI assistant built with each participant—to help with their unique workflows.
And it works. Participants who once felt stuck in their PhDs or overwhelmed by workloads found themselves empowered, energized, and finally able to move forward.
One student told us:
“I began my PhD in 2014 and completed coursework in 2015, but the overwhelming demands stalled my progress 10 years down the line. FuKazee’s AI training equipped me with the tools and confidence to get back on track and finish my PhD.” — P.M, UoN PhD Student
Another participant even launched a business during the program using AI as their co‑founder. Others created customized assistants to streamline work projects. The impact hasn’t been just academic—it’s professional and personal too.
FuKazee’s Bigger Picture
While postgraduates are at the heart of The ScholarShift Accelerator, FuKazee’s vision is larger. We see AI as a life‑altering skill for anyone—professionals, entrepreneurs, students, researchers—who wants to work smarter, not harder.
Our focus is always the same: help people unlock AI’s real potential, ethically and effectively. Whether that’s drafting a research grant, automating repetitive work tasks, or building a side business, we’re showing people how to use AI not just as a tool, but as a partner in creating better futures.
What’s Next?
We’re continuing to grow the ScholarShift Accelerator Cohorts, welcoming more postgraduates into an empowering space where they learn, build, and transform their work with AI.
Each cohort reminds us of the same thing: when ordinary people are given the right tools and know how to use them, extraordinary things happen.
Final Word
At FuKazee, our goal isn’t just to teach you about AI. It’s to help you master AI so it becomes a true asset in your journey—whether that’s graduating on time, thriving at work, or chasing bold new ideas outside of school.
I started FuKazee because people needed help. Today, we’re building a community of learners, thinkers, and builders who are ready to embrace the future of kazi.
— Maina
Founder, FuKazee