The Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo, together with participants during the 5th World Engineering Day hosted in MMUST.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on 4th March 2024, hosted the 5th World Engineering Day celebrations, courtesy of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya-Western Chapter. The event, which is traditionally observed on March 4th worldwide, took place at the University’s Main Catering Unit, showcasing the institution’s commitment to its niche programme, Engineering and the Built Environment. This year’s celebrations, held under the theme ‘Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World’, brought together a diverse array of industry experts, both locally and internationally, including a delegation from the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, staff, representatives from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), practising engineers in the region, MMUST alumni, and students. The event was marked by insightful discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on the role of engineering in addressing global challenges and creating sustainable solutions.
The Engineering Students Association proudly march during the 5th World Engineering Day.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo highlighted Kenya’s pressing need for a robust engineering workforce to achieve agenda 2030 and effectively address sector-specific challenges. Considering MMUST’s flagship programs in the School of Engineering and Built Environment, he outlined the University’s strategic intent to specialize in manufacturing, thereby positioning itself as a key player in advancing the country’s engineering capabilities.
Addressing the students, Prof. Shibairo emphasized the significance of their academic pursuits and encouraged them to take pride in their endeavours. He acknowledged the challenges they may face but urged them to persevere diligently, stressing on the importance of elevating engineering to new heights. “Take pride in your work. Although it is challenging, maintain diligence in your endeavours, and they will pay off,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo engages in fruitful dialogue with the Dean- Department of Engineering and Industrial Design, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian-Toralf Weber from the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences - Germany, during a courtesy call in his office.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Planning, Research, and Innovation (DVC PR&I), Prof. Charles Mutai, warmly welcomed the participants, expressing the University’s delight in joining them to commemorate the significant day. He emphasized the role of engineering in initiating all that we observe around us.
Commenting on this year’s theme, he underscored the critical influence of the environment on our well-being. “Infrastructural developments including construction of houses and other structures have been faced by several challenges. We require policies, law and procedures that will ensure a safe and sustainable environment, especially with the ongoing developments on the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions”, stated Prof. Mutai, urging engineers to be at the forefront of the changes toward a sustainable environment and world.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Planning, Research, and Innovation (DVC PR&I), Prof. Charles Mutai, make his presentation during the World Engineering Day celebrations.
Additionally, Prof. Mutai highlighted collaboration as a core pillar in MMUST’s strategic plan. He emphasized the value of partnerships in achieving the University’s goal of becoming a premier institution in Science, Technology and Innovation; expressing eagerness for further collaborations with Universities excelling in academia, research, and innovation, including the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences.
Eng. Eric Ngage, the outgoing Chairperson of IEK- Western chapter, welcomed the participants to the fifth World Engineering Day celebrations. He stressed the critical importance of sustainability, advocating for environmentally friendly practices through climate change action initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030. Eng. Ngage further highlighted the significance of engineering in achieving goals related to water, energy, sustainable infrastructure, and innovation. He proudly affirmed that the engineering community in Kenya is actively engaged in promoting sustainability and driving innovation, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global efforts in these crucial areas. “I am glad to let the world know that the Kenya engineering family has not been left behind in the pursuit for sustainability and innovation,” he stated.
Eng. Eric Ngage, the outgoing Chairperson of IEK- Western chapter addressing the audience.
The keynote speaker, Eng. Joseck Maloba, who doubles up as lecturer in the Department of Civil and structural Engineering and Chief Officer of Technical Services at the County Government of Kakamega, was accompanied by other public works engineers. He highlighted the significance of 4th March as a day when engineers from different disciplines worldwide convene to reflect on the engineering solutions and assess areas for improvement, for a better and sustainable world.
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change on SDG 13 ‘To Limit and Adapt to Climate Change’, Eng. Maloba stated that it is a reality which has downed on us. He urged engineers to develop solutions that are climate resilient, economical, scalable and adaptable to the evolving technologies. In support of this, he referenced FAOSTAT analytical brief No. 63 of 2022- a publication by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which provides statistics on temperature from 1961 to 2022.
“Global Mean Annual Temperature Change on land was 1.4ºC, with Europe recording 2.2ºC, Asia 1.8ºC, and America and Africa 1.0ºC. This is over a span of 61 years, equating to approximately 0.23ºC per decade. In 300 years (30 decades) we may end up with a rise of 7 ºC, and this may render some animal and plant species extinct,” he revealed.
The keynote speaker, Eng. Joseck Maloba, who doubles up as lecturer in the Department of Civil and structural Engineering and Chief Officer of Technical Services at the County Government of Kakamega making his presentation during the celebrations.
Eng. Maloba further encouraged members of the School to facilitate student opportunities for attachments and internships abroad. “This exposure will allow students to engage with diverse technologies, enhancing their knowledge and confidence. And by gaining experience in varied environments, our students will develop skills that will enable them to thrive in complex settings without feeling intimidated or inferior,” he explained. Eng. Maloba also urged practicing engineers to elevate their engagement by actively influencing and contributing to decision-making processes; including pursuing roles in political offices and positions to shape policies and decisions that impact their field.
Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, the Dean School of Engineering and Built Environment, pointed out that everybody is an engineer, challenging every individual to assess how they are contributing towards the environment. “As engineers, let us leave the environment, better than we found it,” she stated. Additionally, she commended the active engagement of alumni and their achievements, encouraging them to extend mentorship and employment opportunities to recent graduates and students.
The DVC PR&I together with the Dean SEBE- Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni (his left) during a courtesy call to his office.
It is worth noting the delegation from the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences - Germany, led by the Dean- Department of Engineering and Industrial Design, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian-Toralf Weber; paid a courtesy call to the Offices of the Vice Chancellor, DVC PR&I, and the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL). Prof. Weber emphasized the crucial role engineers play in addressing global challenges, revealing a scarcity of these personnel across the globe and in Germany. He urged the participants to reflect on how they can collectively inspire and empower the next generation of engineers to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to society, as he shared the programmes offered in his University.
The event climaxed with a tree planting exercise as it aligns with the goal of sustainability and the overarching theme of the 5th World Engineering Day; demonstrating the commitment of engineers and the broader community to address climate change and create a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
