Speaking on phone from Kisumu, where she had gone for a University function, Prof. Sabuni revealed that SEBE is determined to be the leader in the engineering sector. “These intensive practicals, which are also designed to address emerging problems in the industry, have fully equipped our students and effectively put MMUST on the frontline of global engineering training. We are proud of the skills of our graduates,” she stated.

The Chairperson of Department (CoD), Electrical and Communications Engineering, Dr. James Owuor, acknowledged the importance of the workshop and noted that it is progressing very well.

"Engineering is practical in nature hence through this workshop, our students will be equipped with knowledge and skills that will help them transform their ideas into reality as they identify what they are good at. Electricity can only be seen by what it does and therefore, students must know how to handle it from theory to practical. They have to be able to interpret a drawing and convert it into a functional electrical system," said Dr. Owuor.

He noted that the students have been introduced to workshop safety, electronic workshop design, and measuring systems. They are now exercising on the measuring systems after which they will be able to manage wiring a building besides getting grounded in the fundamentals of wiring.

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering students listen keenly as technician Mr. Daniel Were demonstrates how to use a Vernier caliper.

The CoD Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Dr. Peter Cherop echoed Dr. Owuor's sentiments, saying that the workshop practice is thriving well and the students have been introduced to various fundamental machines and tools required to carry out their practical activities.

 “We expect the students to maximize on this project in order to acquire enough experience and apply the knowledge gained in the competitive market,” he said.

Civil and Structural Engineering students are taken through hydraulics, water and sewage measurements by University Water and Environmental technologist, Ms. Valerie Lutta.

The Civil and Structural Engineering CoD, Dr. Micah Mukolwe agreed that the theoretical background done in class is not enough and has to be complemented with practical workshop activities, in order to translate into actual skills that are demanded in the job industry.

"My happiness is to see my students prosper and get employed as soon as they graduate from the University. This is only possible if they acquire the necessary hands-on skills expected of them by potential employers,” he stated.

Notably, in order to enhance the practical sessions for the students pursuing engineering, SEBE has commissioned technicians from the departments of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Civil and Structural engineering, Electrical and Communication Engineering. The technicians are; Mr. Evans Nandasaba, Mr. John Muhehe, Mr. Geoffrey Mwasame, Mr. Daniel Were, Mr. Gideon Kitiyo, Mr. Daniel Mikwa, Mr. Caleb Kibet, Mr. Moses Toili, Ms. Valerie Lutta, Mr. Enock Moruri and Mr. Zablon Mbogo.

One of the technicians, Mr. Moses Toili explains a point to the students of Civil and Structural engineering during practical on soil permeability.

 Clearly, MMUST is ensuring that the content provided to students is enhanced through such workshops as well as through basic engineering skills like survey, carpentry, welding, building construction, measuring, wiring, masonry, soil lab and public health, housekeeping, and machine operations. This practical workshop will be effective in equipping students with practical aspects of engineering.

By Verna Awuor, Gabriel Juma and Sharon Achieng  

Photos by Gabriel Juma