MMUST Partners With International Consortium To Advance Sustainable Construction Technology And Innovation!
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has strengthened its commitment to innovation, research and industry collaboration, following the signing of a Collaborative Agreement with Trac Structural and Eco Solutions Ltd (TSE Ltd), representing an international consortium comprising SF Impianti, Cold Formed Steel (CFS) and Robins Crew Co. Ltd. The two have formally signed the Agreement today 28th July, 2026, to synergize their expertise to stimulate scientific co-operation, enhance teaching, research and production, and deliver high quality services to stakeholders. The Agreement focuses on training and capacity building on CFS, research and publications, technology transfer, and community engagement, positioning MMUST as a key player in the adoption and development of modern construction technologies in Kenya and the wider Africa region.
The MMUST and TSE Ltd teams display the signed collaborative agreements after the signing ceremony.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium, Mr. Simeon Kamadi Jumba described CFS technology as an innovation that is capable of transforming the construction industry. According to Mr. Jumba CFS technology reduces construction timeline while eliminating material wastage through computer-aided manufacturing, which produces customized steel panels and profiles to exact specifications. He explained that the light-weight nature of the materials minimizes foundation requirements, reducing construction costs without compromising structural strength and durability. Mr. Jumba further noted that the buildings provide natural ventilation, making them more resistant to decay, besides saving on space.
“The technology has been simplified in such a way that it can be transferred from engineers to technicians and eventually to ordinary users. Once we successfully build this capacity in Kenya, the technology can easily be replicated anywhere across Africa and beyond. Our goal is to make decent, affordable and sustainable housing accessible to the common person,” said Mr. Jumba.
He added that the collaboration extends beyond technology adoption to building local expertise that will drive innovation within the construction sector. “As we embark on this partnership, engineers from the MMUST’s School of Engineering and Built Environment will be trained as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs), enabling them to transfer these skills to students, technicians and industry practitioners. This cascading model of knowledge transfer will ensure that the technology becomes widely accessible and usable within our communities,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium, Mr. Simeon Kamadi Jumba speaks during the event.
Notably, the consortium will implement the programme in collaboration with MMUST, KONZA Technopolis, Truck Construction Eco Solutions Ltd, S.F Impianti (the providers of the technology) and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme. The initiative will see MMUST and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca engage in student and staff exchange programmes, facilitating specialized training and technical knowledge transfer while supporting the incubation of the innovation.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo welcomed the collaboration, noting that the University has already embraced prefabricated construction methods in several of its ongoing infrastructure projects. He stated that the University remains open to adopting innovative construction solutions that are cost-effective, sustainable and responsive to the growing demand for modern infrastructure. “These technologies are good. It is time Africa adopted them,” he asserted.
Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Benedict Alala also welcomed the collaboration, saying that it is a timely intervention that aligns with Kenya’s drive towards affordable, sustainable, and cost-effective construction technologies. “These are the innovative approaches that will help our country reduce construction costs while embracing modern technologies. It is a great idea and we truly welcome it,” said Prof. Alala.
MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, (Seated Centre) shares a photo with the MMUST and TSE Ltd teams after the signing ceremony.
Dr. Edwin Kanda, a faculty member in the School of Engineering and Built Environment and one of the initiators of the partnership, said the School will integrate CFS technology into its academic programmes to equip students with practical competencies that respond to emerging industry demands. He revealed that the implementation will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase will focus on the adoption of CFS technology, while the second phase will advance environmental sustainability through the conversion of solid waste into sustainable energy solutions.
Dr. Micah Mukolwe, a Civil Engineer in the School and the University’s Ag. Senior Estates Officer, observed that MMUST has already embraced light gauge steel technology in some of its infrastructure projects, including the construction of ablution blocks. However, he noted that the technology is still relatively new in the region, “building capacity and developing prototypes through this partnership will accelerate adoption of this technology and position MMUST as a regional leader in sustainable construction innovation,” he added.
Dr. Edwin Kanda (far right), Dr. Micah Mukolwe (seated centre) and the President of the TSE Ltd Consortium, Prof. Eng. Carmello Sturniolo during the event.
It is worth noting that the President of the TSE Ltd Consortium, Prof. Eng. Carmello Sturniolo, led the consortium delegation alongside Chief Executive Officer Mr. Simeon Kamadi Jumba and Eng. Ian Samoei. The MMUST delegation comprised the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha; Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages, Dr. Umulkher Ali; and Ms. Dorine Ambetsa.
MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, shakes hands with the President of the TSE Ltd Consortium, Prof. Eng. Carmello Sturniolo. Looking on is the Consortium’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Simeon Kamadi Jumba.
As a University renowned for its niche in Engineering, MMUST continues to distinguish itself as a hub for innovation, research and technological advancement. The institution is often looked upon as a benchmark for developing and transferring practical solutions that address emerging industry needs. This partnership therefore presents another strategic opportunity that will position MMUST at the forefront of sustainable engineering education, ultimately promoting environmentally sustainable construction practices, strengthening local engineering capacity and producing graduates equipped with globally competitive skills to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
