Prof. Eng. Sibilike Makhanu Delivers MMUST’s 4th Inaugural Lecture, Demystifying the Intricate Relationship Between Engineering Training and Professional Practice
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Prof. Eng. Sibilike Khamala Makhanu has delivered the 4th Inaugural Lecture of MMUST, titled, ‘Dual Role of Engineering Training and Professional Practice: Application of Theory for Engineering Practice in Outcome-Based Education Framework’. The Lecture, which took place on 9th October, 2025, focused on demystifying the intricate relationship between engineering training and professional practice. It brought together renowned engineers, Professors from MMUST and other institutions, staff, students, as well as Prof. Makhanu’s family members and friends. The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who read Prof. Makhanu’s citation, highlighting his accomplishments in the field of engineering.
While reading the citation, Prof. Shibairo revealed that Prof. Makhanu has taught at University for over 37 years, where he has supervised and mentored more than 200 students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. “Prof. Makhanu has authored over 800 publications in Workshops, Conferences and Journals. He has also worked with the Commission for University Education as a peer reviewer, where he inspected engineering programmes at various institutions, including the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Technical University of Kenya and the Technical University of Mombasa,” said the Vice Chancellor, adding that the Professor has developed engineering curricula in many Universities in Kenya and beyond.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (right) with Prof. Eng. Sibilike Makhanu.
“In the 4th MMUST Inaugural Lecture, Prof. Sibilike takes us into the future of training engineers, under the outcome-based education framework, a system which he went through when he was in Japan between 1992-1996,” added Prof. Shibairo.
“We have had the privilege of listening to an outstanding inaugural lecture by Prof. Eng. Sibilike Makhanu. Prof. Makhanu’s lecture has provided us with valuable insights into how institutions of higher learning can align academic instruction with the dynamic demands of industry and society. He has challenged us to reflect on our pedagogical approaches, curriculum design, and our institutional engagement with the engineering profession,” stated the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Peter Bukhala. Prof. Bukhala noted that the lecture reinforced Prof. Makhanu’s contribution to the field of engineering and his commitment to the advancement of knowledge and professional excellence.
Prof. Eng. Sibilike Makhanu delivers the 4th Inaugural Lecture of MMUST.
Prof. Makhanu began his lecture by explaining what Outcome-Based Education (OBE) in engineering practice entails, emphasizing that this type of pedagogical approach calls for goal-oriented and student-centered teaching approaches, which place great importance on desired professional competencies. “When designing the curriculum, we must do it backwards. We must start with what a student wants to be, then develop a roadmap with clear strategies on how they can satisfy different stakeholders, including the Government, industry and the society. By doing this, students will have very high expectations and inspirations to perform better and be more competent, hence expanding their learning and work opportunities,” pointed out Prof. Makhanu. In his presentation, he highlighted his notable achievements, such as the development of the BIG (Bottle in Glass) water filter, designing of the Kitale-Sudan road in 1984, designing of the Ndakaini Dam in Thika, and was part of the designing team of the Great Man Made River in Libya, the largest civil engineering project in the world. Prof. Makhanu has also made significant contributions to MMUST’s infrastructural development.
Prof. Makhanu receives a portrait from the Dean-SEBE, Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni.
“As a School, we have achieved a great milestone as this is the first inaugural lecture from us. Prof. Sibilike has truly set the stage and this is a challenge for all of us to follow suit. In this lecture, he has done a tremendous job in shedding light on the relationship between theory and practice, and we are eager to implement his recommendations,” noted the Dean, School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE)-Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni.
Congratulating Prof. Makhanu on the successful delivery of this professorial inaugural lecture, the Chairperson Department of Civil and Structural Engineering-Dr. Benard Omondi, stated that his Department is proud to have him among its distinguished faculty. “Your lecture has reaffirmed your position as a thought leader in our field and a mentor to both staff and students. We look forward to the continued impact of your work, your leadership in advancing our research agenda, as well as your contribution in nurturing the next generation of engineers,” remarked Dr. Omondi. He commended the 4th Inaugural Lecturer for developing the ‘Sibilike Optimized Project Cost Index (SOPCI)’, which he said is timely and will minimize construction cost overruns and delays.
A section of participants during the event.
MMUST’s 4th Inaugural Lecture delivered by Prof. Eng. Sibilike Khamala Makhanu reaffirms the need for STEM programmes to shift from traditional in-class activities to Outcome-Based Education, which focuses on practical skills, critical thinking and job market alignment. As an innovator and a well accomplished civil and structural engineer, Prof. Makhanu has indeed demonstrated his depth of knowledge and academic rigor in the field of Engineering.
By Caren Nekesa and Wangari Wambugu
