Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering has received a Bambu Lab A1 3D Printer from the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, Germany. The state-of-the-art equipment, which was brought by the Dean, Department of Engineering and Industrial Design at Magdeburg-Stendal, Prof. Christian-Toralf Weber, is set to enhance practice-oriented training at the School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE). The 3D Printer was officially received on Thursday, 6th March, 2025 by the Dean-SEBE, Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, together with the Chairperson-Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Dr. Emmanuel Osore.
Dean-SEBE, Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, gives her remarks during the ceremony.
Speaking during the equipment handover ceremony, Prof. Eng. Sabuni noted that the donation is timely, saying that her School has been working towards aligning all its academic programmes to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). “On behalf of the School of Engineering and Built Environment, I appreciate Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences for this generous donation. I also extend my gratitude to Prof. Christian and Dr. Osore for keeping the partnership between both institutions active and I hope that this collaboration will extend to other Departments within the School,” stated Prof. Eng. Sabuni.
Prof. Christian-Toralf Weber demonstrates the Bambu Lab A1 3D Printer. Pictured with him is Dr. Benard Omondi (left) and Dr. Emmanuel Osore.
“As a Department, we are grateful for this donation because it will transform our mode of teaching and learning. 3D printing is a fast-evolving technology that is used in many industries, including manufacturing. With such technology, our students will be able to design objects digitally and produce physical prototypes while gaining hands-on fabrication skills,” said Dr. Osore during the event. In an interview with DCCM, the C.O.D revealed that since the signing of the Collaborative Agreement between MMUST and the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, the two (2) institutions have jointly carried out three (3) projects. He added, “the latest project, dubbed Water Mills for Field Irrigation, saw eight of our students assemble an irrigation pump from scratch with the help of Prof. Christian.”
Students who took part in the MMUST and Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences project on ‘Water Mills for Field Irrigation’ showcase their certificates of participation.
The Chairperson-Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Dr. Benard Omondi, who was also present at the ceremony, reiterated that there is a need for the collaboration to spread to other sections. “I commend Prof. Christian for ensuring that the partnership reaches this level. I request you to bring on board other contact persons from your University to collaborate with us on other fields, including Civil Engineering,” remarked Dr. Omondi.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has continuously championed student-centered teaching and learning, as it engages its students in practical activities. The equipment donation will certainly help MMUST Engineering students to develop skills and competencies required in the manufacturing industry.
Photos by Caren Nekesa
