kenya engineer magazine july august 2014

July/August 2014 Volume 35 No.4 KSH. 550

KENYA ENGINEER - July/August 2014 3

47.

Contents

10.

19.

29.

24.05. News

10. Features

44. IEK

INTERVIEW

53.

61.

ACEK

ESA

Professional development of engineers...........10Arresting road carnage.....................................16A dream for fans, a nightmare for engineers........19Implementing campus wireless LAN...............24An engineer trains on the job..........................28The pedagogy of engineering training...............31

Geothermal to result in lower energy costs.........05ICT takes the lead in trasnforming Kenya.........06Government of Kenya and Huaweisign ICT MoU...................................................08

IEK holds its 21st conference..........................44

One on one with Prof. Patts Odira..................47

ACEK holds its election...................................53

Profiling ESA Chairlady.....................................61

4 KENYA ENGINEER - July/August 2014

Kenya has very ambitious plans in infrastructure development, expansion of the manufacturing industry, and development of financial and ICT hubs. Execution of these plans requires well-educated and trained

engineers and technicians. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the reason for low absorption capital budgets by the National and County governments in Kenya is the lack of engineering capacity and not the procurement law.

This issue of Kenya Engineer Magazine will focus on trends in degree-level engineering education and professional development of engineering graduates. There are now close to 10 universities that are offering different engineering degree programs in Kenya but most of the new and innovative degree programs are not yet accredited by the Engineers Board of Kenya. It is also well known that structured and supervised engineering training after graduation is necessary for developing a critical mass of employable engineers. The new National ICT Master Plan has recognized this fact for electrical engineers joining the ICT field and includes structured graduate engineers training on the job.

The article, titled the “Pedagogy of engineering education in Kenya”, by Kevin Achola of Kenya Engineer tells a brief story of how one university has engaged the industry in the development of new engineering degree programs and the frustrations of the Kenyan industry with local engineering graduates. The article, titled “On the Job Training in the Field” by Gordon Lau of Grameen Foundation is also a story of how good engineering education is supposed to prepare graduates for high-end jobs and create engineers who can develop simple and innovative solutions and products for the rural population. Professor Francis Gichaga, the former VC of University of Nairobi and a Professor of Civil Engineering, summarizes the structures and institutions that have been established for engineering education and subsequent professional development and registration of engineers in Kenya. The Interview of Professor Patts Odira, the Dean, School of Engineering at the University of Nairobi, further tells the story of the evolution of engineering education and professional development in Kenya.

The final article, titled “Developing Campus Wireless Networks”, by Maureen Njue of Kenya Education Network summarizes the wireless campus infrastructures that universities will need to set up to accommodate the new forms of learning by engineering students. Engineering schools and faculty will have to change the way they teach and in order to compete with global engineering professors who are also teaching our students. We hope that you will enjoy this issue of Kenya engineer and will appreciate your feedback via e-mail, twitter or Facebook.

M. Kashorda, PhD, MIEEE, MIETChairperson Editorial Board

Next issue will be out by 1st September, 2014

JULY/AUGUST 2014

The Definitive Publication of Engineers in East Africa & Beyond, since 1972

Copyright © 2014: Reproduction of any article in part or in full is strictly prohibited without written permission from the Intercontinental Publishers Ltd. Disclaimer: To our readers, verify all the advertised courses with Engineers Board of Kenya.

Editorial Board:M Kashorda ChairpersonN O Booker Secretary A Muhalia A W OtsienoF W Ngokonyo J MutuliliJ N Kariuki M Majiwa S K Kibe

Managing EditorKevin AcholaAssociate EditorAyanna YonemuraEditorial AssistantPeninah NjakweMercy NduatiDesign & LayoutDaniel Wakaba Ndung’uSales & MarketingJoy ThuoJoyce NdamaiyuPhylis MuthoniTeresa Atieno

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Kenya Engineer Magazine

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Correspondence should be addressed to the publisher. Kenya Engineer is published every two months. Views expressed in this Journal are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institution.

Editor’s Note

drive the passion among engineers to be registered since there would always be some technical bit to undertake every year. The final year project, since it covers everything learnt throughout the course, could be invigilated or supervised by a supervisor or representative of the Board in such a way that they accesses and gauge the students level of knowledge acquired throughout the course and how ready they are to contribute in the industry.

If a student passes, he gets registered and gets into a year of internship in a firm to work under registered engineers to get the license. If they fail, they do an independent project which they will present to the board. This will lead to a pool of proficient, passionate, licensed engineers boosting our country’s human resources instead of importing engineers and engineering technology every time we have a project.

This is just a personal opinion which might bring a big change and even bring vision 2030 dream to reality.

Martin Wanjohi WarichuMechatronics Engineering Multimedia University of K enya

Hi! I have just come across the article, “Driving on expired tyres,“ by Eng. Daniel S. Cherono of KENHA. I can’t thank you enough for getting very useful information. I hope you take it up to NTSA to ensure compliance. Keep it up.

Christopher K. K ipkemeiAsst. Technical LibrarianK enya Power

government’s direct support for their local contractors and consultants.

In an ef fort to address access to affordable credit, KFMB registered the Master Builders Sacco through which contractors can save and build a kitty from where they can borrow to carry out their contracts. This is not adequate and therefore the government will need to come on board. Banks are particularly cagey when it comes to lending money to contractors due to their perceived risk for non payments. You are aware that many public institutions including the government can take ages to honour payment certificates thereby putting the contractors in a precarious position.

The entire industry needs to come together to push for regulatory mechanisms to address the shortcomings

Many regards,QS Moses MuihiaNational Chairman kfmb-

Since the Engineers Board of Kenya is the body that approves engineering syllabus from various schools of Engineering, and they are also the ones who insist that at least each course has a registered lecturer to see through the learning and course content within the four or five years. Why don’t they insert projects to be carried out by the students every academic year so that people do not just study to pass exam but to understand in such a way they can invent and produce technological inventions.

Who knows, we may be harboring so many engineers among us. This would

Dear Editor,

I write to highly appreciate your kind gesture of giving us a copy of yourmagazine Kenya Engineer, the definitive publication for engineers in east Africa and beyond. We, at the Graduate Research Library, promise to make good use of the document and create itsawareness to the PhD users. Once again than you!

RegardsJ.K angetheGRL

23rd May 2014Eng J M MatuC/o Kenya Engineer Journal

Dear Eng Matu,

I have seen and read your article in the May/June edition of the Kenya Engineer and wish to enjoin myself and Kenya Federation of Master Builders (KFMB), “the association of small, medium and local contractors in Kenya,” in echoing the views expressed.

We have persistently and consistently voiced our displeasure on the ongoing onslaught against the locals by foreign contractors and consultants, while the government watches as if it is helpless.

For your information, KFMB drafted the raw bill to establish the NCA, after many sittings with the current CS Eng Kamau, on instructions of the then Cabinet Minister in 2006.

I am convinced that the only positive move would be for the government to be proactive, similar to the Chinese


We look forward to your feedback: [email protected]

Letters to the editor


NEWS

Geothermal to result in lower energy costs

General Electric calls for creative energy ideas

Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has unveiled a new model. GDC, which aims to produce

810MW of power by 2017 and 5000MW in the next sixteen years, has introduced a way of adding more geothermal power into the grid in the shortest time possible. This new method will allow GDC to use its own drilling rigs and local drilling crew. Also, it will reduce the drilling cost by almost half. Currently, GDC has four rigs.

According to a GDC-issued statement, “Part of our unique model is to undertake early generation of power using small power plants as we wait to build big conventional power plants.” The advantage of using

Uganda’s Bujagali hydroelectric power underway

modular power plants is that completed geothermal wells generate electricity early as the GDC develops steam for huge power plants. GDC will install modular power plants of up to 10MW and drill more wells so that Kenyans can enjoy cheaper energy.

Unlike in the past when it took up to fifteen years from commencement of drilling to the time power was connected to the national grid, it takes GDC only eighteen months to install a modular power plant.GDC has already started development in the north rift region. According to GDC, ”Our projections are that the Baringo-Silali Geothermal project will give us 200MW by 2016 and 800MW by 2018.”

The Ugandan government signed a thirty year contract with Jubilee Holdings to construct the Bujagali

Hydro Power Plant. Jubilee Holdings, which owns Jubilee Insurance, is a joint shareholder in building the 250 megawatt power plant. Ugandan Government commissioned the power plant in October 2012. This deal will see Jubilee raise more share profit upon its completion. The Bujagali plant will sell electricity to the main power distributor in Uganda as per the negotiated power purchase agreement.

In a move to powering up underserved areas, General Electric (GE), together with the United States Agency for International

Development and United States African Development Fund (USADF), called on interested participants to tender innovative projects. The project is under Power Africa Initiative which US President Obama launched during his visit to Africa last year.According to a GE-issued statement, “Many

rural communities, agribusinesses and small enterprises lack access to power. But we know Kenyans are driving growth with innovative, renewable energy solutions. We want your answer to delivering power to underserved areas.” USADF will consider proposals from 100% African-owned and 100% African-managed enterprises, associations or organisations. Applicants may be developers of their own technology

and/or acquiring and implementing technology developed elsewhere.Applicants need to be legally registered in the project country, demonstrate the capacity to track and manage project resources and operate in good standing with their governments. The projects are not to exceed twelve months in duration.

» A section of Orpower geothermal power plant in Olkaria

» An aerial view of Bujagali Power station in Uganda


NEWS

ICT takes the lead in transforming KenyaPipeline operator

to construct new oil storage tanks

April this year saw the re-launch of the ICT Master Plan during the 6th Connected Kenya Conference.

The conference theme was “Breaking the Barriers” and it attracted delegates from the public and private sectors.

Panelists’ presentations demonstrated how ICT can be used to better the country’s service delivery, improve security and many other areas. One SAP presentation showed how the government can use new technology to registering people. The application presented allowes parents to using their phones to register newborns as Kenya citizens.

Ms. Mwende Gatabaki, leader of the task force for Presidential Digital Transformation, made an impressive presentation. Her President-sponsored task force aims to bring about technology-enabled transformation of the public sector. It will play a major role realizing digital governance and has large goals including using technology to enhance the country’s security; increase efficiency, effectiveness and accountability

in governance; and help the government provide citizen-centered services.

The taskforce is working in three phases:

i) establishing national digital registry,ii) bu i ld ing government - shared

processes andiii) developing a one-stop-shop for

public services.

Together, these phases will strengthen in te l l i gence ga the r ing and c r ime management as well as systematic revenue collection. The digital registry of people, lands, establishments and assets will be linked at one center, the “Production Center.” This linking will ease data access for the public and minimize corruption.

The master plan gives priority to cutting health and education costs and enhancing citizens’ experiences. It also incorporates the retail, wholesale and agriculture sectors. The plan projects that by 2017, Kenya’s ICT industry will create 180,000 jobs and contribute 8% of the GDP.

Late April this year, the Kenya Pipeline Company Limited (KPC) called on interested bidders

to “tender for the design, supply, construction, installation, testing, commissioning and handing over of additional white-oil storage tanks and accessories at Pump Station 10 (PS10 Nairobi terminal).This will be handled as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) project.”

This call, according to an official at KPA who spoke to Kenya Engineer, has been triggered by the increasing demand for petroleum products in the region. Storage tanks will also be set up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport so as to serve the expanding airport facility. The storage capacity in Nairobi currently stands at 100,580 M3.

The tanks are scheduled to be ready and in operation by 2015 and KPA will fund the projects internally. KPA also plan to give the Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline an overhaul by the year 2016. The current Nairobi-Mombasa pipeline is not efficient enough to sustain the growing demand of petroleum products.

The KPA official also indicated that the government is working on plans to have the country’s oil-hub region, Turkana, “piped” with a Lokichar-Lamu pipeline in the process. This pipeline is scheduled for 2017.

» Pipes at Kenya Petroleum Refinery Limited (KPRL), Mombasa

» Students in a lab session at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology


NEWS

Government of Kenya and Huawei sign ICT MoU

In a move to fast track Kenya’s ICT agenda, the Government of Kenya’s ICT Authority has signed a Memorandum

of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei. This important event took place at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi on the 6th June 2014. China’s Ambassador to Kenya, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Ministry of ICT, and deans from Kenyan university ICT and engineering departments were among the witnesses.

ICT Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Victor Kyalo, and Huawei Technologies Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dran Yu, signed the MoU. The three-year partnership will include training 160 engineers via internship programmes, a stakeholders forum, infrastructure development, general ICT awareness and CSR activities. Starting in July, KENET will help in selecting training engineers from universities for 4th and 5th year internship programmes. This initiative will result in ten candidates who will have the opportunity to further their skills in China.

There will also be workshops which will expose various societal groups to technologies that impact socio-economic development. These workshops will target areas in which there is little ICT literacy in a bid to connect more people to enjoy the benefits of technology.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiangi, stated that the government is in talks with other private stakeholders in order to develop the training of 500 engineers within three years and that ICT engineers’ training is of great importance as Kenya needs ICT for development. He also stated that the ICT master plan needs stronger ICT infrastructure, strategic policies and sufficient energy in order to be smoothly implemented.

The National ICT Masterplan identifies infrastructure, human capital and workforce and e-government services as priority areas. It also indicates that Public-Private Partnerships are key to Kenya becoming a top ICT hub. The counties’ demand

In May this year, Samsung, the world’s largest mobile manufacturing company, launched a solar-powered

model classroom at Arap Moi Primary School in Kajiado County. Samsung’s objective is to enhance e-learning and upgrade schools in general. The unique solar-powered classroom, worth Sh 12.9 million, includes a forty foot shipping container, twenty-five Galaxy tablets, a multi-purpose printer, a fifty inch electric board, internet and solar panels. In promoting education across Africa, Samsung has established the solar powered classrooms in Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Gabon and, in the next year, will build enough to teach 2.5 million students.

Samsung builds solar-powered smart classrooms

to devolve ICT is high but the lack of highly skilled personnel and adequate infrastructure are serious problems. As the county governments are not able to train the required personnel, Dr. Matiangi mentioned that the national government has taken the initiative to train them.

Dr. Matiangi pointed out that there is also a need to refine the already trained engineers. “Research has showed that we have a scarcity of high-end ICT skills with many ICT companies hiring expatriates to bridge the gap. This shows that in addition to strengthening courses at the university level, companies should offer practical on-the-job training which will up the skills of our graduates. This is quite important now as the government embarks on major ICT infrastructure projects. Local talent is at the heart of success of this entire project and there is need for our local graduates to handle these projects,” he explained.

» Chinese Ambassador Liu Xianfa (top left), Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Wr. Fred Matiangi (top right), ICT Authority Acting CEO Mr. Victor Kyalo and Huawei Technologies

CEO (bottom right), Mr. Dean Yu sign the ICT Memorandum of Understanding


While the school laptop project still on the rocks, a team of two has come up with a way

of providing students what they need by using broken or old computers. Yes, there is a future for that old computer in your house as Nissan Bahar and Franky Imbesi have come up with an operating-system-on-a-stick dubbed, “Keepod.” Some schools in Kenyan slums have already had success with it.

Smartphone-controlled robot created

Varsity starts new engineering programmes

Coast considers water alternatives

NEWS

Many consumers found o ld fashioned robots dawdling and cumbersome to control, but

you can’t say that about the self-balanced, stable and efficient robot, The OutRunner, recently designed by Sebastian Cotton and Colton Black. Cotton and Black created this robot using biological animal biometrics, computer simulation, mechanical design and algorithm development for efficient power consumption.

The robot has two versions. One is Outrunner Core with a base model that runs up to ten miles per hour, a battery life of one hour, universal camera mount and sensors upgrades.

The other is Outrunner Performance which is the premium model and has a top speed of twenty miles per hour, battery life of two hours and a Smartphone control option.

Cotton and Black’s company, Robotics Unlimited has produced a Kickstarter funding video to show how they run and test the robot. The aim of this video is to help them more funds to produce awesome robot outrunners for future generations.The shipping of the robot will start in July 2015.

In a move to tap into a new for field Kenyan higher education, Kenyatta University (KU) is ready to start training

programmes in Energy Engineering and Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering. The energy programme comes at a perfect time as the country is heavily investing in energy. The Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering Programme is also a timely move as the government is considering expanding the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kenya Airways is increasing its fleet.

Last year, Kenya sent trainees to South Korea and the US for nuclear power training as the government wants to explore this type of energy. Kenya will also need engineers’ oil exploration and mining expertise.

At a stakeholder’s forum held at the KU Conference Centre in May, delegates decried that Kenyan engineers recently trained overseas and argued that Kenya has the capacity for such training. They also complained that some engineers end up not being employed in Kenya and taking jobs in other countries. During the forum, the stakeholders, employers of today’s engineers in training, aired views on what they want the training programmes to include.

Despite that it is closer to more water than any other region in the country, Coast County is among

the counties with the biggest water supply problems. As a result, the World Bank is funding the Mwache multi-purpose dam in Kwale.

Construction will begin July and will cost Sh17 billion. The dam will produce 110 million litres of water per day for Mombasa and 76 million litres for Kwale.

Also Coast County will employ a method for the use of sea water. Daily Nation reported that the county is considering taking on a project that will allow them desalinate sea water. The newspaper reports that the project is likely to kick start next year and end in 2017.

A feasibility study by a Japanese firm, Toyota Tsusho, showed that the project was viable and that Shanzu would be the best location for the desalination plant. “Once set up, the plant is expected to produce 100 million litres of water a day,” says Ms. Fatma Awale, the county’s water executive.

Keepod is in a flash drive which allows for the revival of discarded and, even, non-functional personal computers. As long as the computer has a screen, keyboard and basic processor, it should be a perfect host as each Keepod stick comes with a unique desktop version of Google’s Android 4.4 operating system. Keepods also avoid that big problem which faces many other recycled personal computers schemes. That serious problem is when machines run at a

snail’s pace after multiple users have saved different things to a single hard drive.

Each Keepod recalls its user’s settings, passwords and the websites which the owner visited and stores any files or programs the user has downloaded. The information can be encrypted and is password protected. Keepods are a good alternative to computer donations which are much more expensive.

New invention uses old and broken computers


Professional development of engineers

1. Introduction

It is important to acknowledge that engineering involves the art of harnessing the resources of nature for the benefit of society. For example, the engineer is trained to develop infrastructure to make it possible for people to enjoy wholesome water and

hydropower; the engineer is capable of converting sunlight into solar energy for use by society; and the engineer can use rocks, sands and soils to build houses, roads, airports etc. for use by the society. It is to be noted that the South East Asian countries were able to achieve rapid economic growth due to the emphasis they directed towards the provision of basic infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sanitation, irrigation, energy, telecommunications,

schools and health care. They also emphasized the development of small and medium enterprises that facilitated the supply of goods and services.

It is also to be noted that for us to improve the standard of living of Kenyans and in order to achieve Vision 2030, there is need to train those engineers who are able to implement the plans which are geared towards the goals of the Vision 2030.

We must invest in both the development of strategic industries and also in the development of the required human resources that are adequately trained to manage the type of technology that is relevant

BSc, MSc, PhD, Hon DSc, FKNA, FIEK, FICE, R.Eng, C.Eng, MBS, EBS, former Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi, and former Chancellor, Jomo Kenyatta University

Professor Francis Gichaga is a seasoned educator who has risen through the academic ranks right from that of Graduate Research Assistant to part-time Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and, finally, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Nairobi. He is a Registered Engineer in Kenya and Chartered Engineer in the UK. Additionally he is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya as well as that of the Instituion of Civil Engineers in the UK. He currently lectures at the University of Nairobi.

by Prof. Francis Gichaga

» Students learning to use a lathe machine at Kenyatta University’s engineeriing lab

Professional Development


to the knowledge economy. In this respect universities must rise to the occasion by offering well structured degree programmes which are relevant to the demand of the industry now and into the future.

The plan by the Kenyan Government to establish an institute in Nairobi for teaching technical and commercial courses started in 1947. The Gandhi Memorial Academy Society agreed to merge interests with those of the Government and was accordingly incorporated into the Royal Technical College which opened its doors for the first intake in April 1956 offering technical and commercial certificate courses.In the 1960/1961 academic year, the college was renamed the Royal College Nairobi on 25th June 1961 and was allowed to offer engineering degree courses of the University of London.

Following the Kenya’s attainment of independence, the Royal College Nairobi changed its name on 20th May 1964 to University College, Nairobi as a constituent college of the University of East Africa. The other constituent colleges were Makerere University College and University College Dar Es Salaam. At that time in East Africa, engineering degree programmes were only available at the University College of Nairobi, law degree programmes were only available at the University College of Dar Es Salaam, and those who wished to do medicine could only do so at Makerere University College. On 1st July 1970, the University of East Africa was dissolved and each of the former constituent colleges became the national universities in their respective nations. In the case of the Republic of Kenya, the University of Nairobi was set up

by an Act of Parliament while Tanzania set up the University of Dar Es Salaam and Uganda set up Makerere University. With the establishment of national Universities in Uganda and Tanzania, both universities established their own faculties of engineering in the 1970’s.

In the case of Kenya we witnessed establishment of the second public university, Moi University and then Kenyatta University as well as Egerton University in the 1980’s and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 1994. The first decade of the 21st century saw the establishment of Maseno University and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

In the second decade of the 21st century we have seen many more public universities established in 2012/2013. This increase of public universities followed the enactment of The Universities Act 2012. Unlike the period up to the 1970’s when engineering degree progammes were only available at the University of Nairobi, we now have many universities offering engineering degree progammes in Kenya.

2. Engineering academic programmes

Given the historical origin of engineering degree programmes many of our programmes were initially structured to suit the registration requirements of the United Kingdom (UK) engineering professional societies. It is important to note that in 1969, the Engineers Registration Act was enacted through an Act of Parliament which


» Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, students operating a lathe machine in their engineering workshop


came up with the establishment of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) and as expected the ERB recognized engineering qualifications of the University of Nairobi and UK engineering degrees and chartered qualifications for purposes of registration with ERB. The Engineers Act of 2011, which repealed the ERB Act, has brought with it parameters which must be satisfied for the engineering degree programmes to be accredited for purposes of registration by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).

Accreditation of undergraduate engineering programmes for Kenyan universitiesAn accreditation assessment is initiated at the invitation of an institution. The evaluation of a programme is based on detailed data provided by the institution. An institution seeking accreditation of an engineering programme submits to the EBK a request for accreditation accompanied by:

• Details of the proposed programme• Details of faculty members including their curriculum vitae• Details of the physical training infrastructure including

lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, libraries, ICT facilities etc.

The accreditation criteria are intended to ensure that students receive appropriate training and are made aware of the role and responsibilities of the professional engineer in society. The evaluation covers the programme design, programme curriculum content, faculty staff establishment, training facilities and infrastructure and training duration.

Complementary studies in humanities, social sciences, arts, management, engineering economics, communication and elements of law are expected to complement the technical content of the curriculum. The EBK makes the decision on the application for accreditation on the basis of the information obtained from the accreditation visit process as well as reports submitted by the institution at the request of the EBK.

Those students undergoing academic training are expected to cover theory courses which equip them with the basic theoretical knowledge and also incorporate laboratory and workshop training which complement the theoretical courses. It is additionally desirable for such students to undergo field attachments during vacations so that they can appreciate the application of what they have learned in theory to the world of work.

It is required that the degree programmes leading to the award of a Bachelors degree in engineering shall be five years covering the curriculum approved by the EBK. The faculty teaching courses which are primarily engineering science and engineering design are expected to be registered professional engineers.

It is to be noted that engineering degree programs have undergone considerable metamorphosis in the last four decades with the aim of responding to the market demand of the engineering industry. The current engineering degree programmes largely reflect the current technological knowledge in the various disciplines and in addition have brought on board courses from social sciences and

humanities with the overall objective of meeting the current market demand by the industry. We have indeed witnessed developments and innovations sometimes leading to new disciplines in engineering.

3. Internship and structured practical training for graduate engineers

The Graduate internship policy document of the Engineers Board of Kenya stipulates that “Graduating engineers are expected to have several desirable attributes that may be expressed in terms of technical and non-technical competencies. The technical competencies are categorized into two distinct areas which are namely, the science of engineering and the practice of engineering. The science of engineering is the set of mathematical and scientific tools used to solve engineering problems, while the practice of engineering is the recognition and formulation of a problem and its solution including the key non-technical skills such as communication, team work, professional and ethical attitude which skills may not be sufficiently addressed within the university setting.”

After the graduate engineer has completed his academic training i.e. has obtained Bachelors degree, he/she is expected to go through a practical training programme in the industry which should be formally structured with clearly defined deliverables on a time-line during the training period. It is required that the training be supervised by a registered professional engineer(s) to ensure that the elements of engineering practice are transmitted to and understood by the trainee engineer. The industry is required to establish a conducive training environment so that the trainee engineer is able to acquire the required practical training skills required for registration as a professional engineer as expected i.e. within three years. It is encouraging to note that the Engineers Act 2011 provides for a structured graduate engineers internship training programme.The importance of the structured internship training programme is that it prepares the graduate engineer in the areas of planning, design and supervision of construction of engineering works in the field/industry.

The graduate engineers are also expected to be given the opportunity to attend courses, seminars and conferences on engineering subjects relevant to their specializations. It is believed that with the structured internship training programme for graduate engineers many more graduate engineers will manage to pass the professional examination and acquire the registration status as professional engineers and enable this country to have many more professional engineers to steer the country to the next orbit of development through industrial transformation as envisaged by the Vision 2030.

4. Engineering practice

After the engineer has acquired registration status as a professional engineer, and has paid the required license fee to be allowed to practice, he/she is authorized to carry out the task of a professional engineer. The practicing license gives him/her the authority to carry out planning, design, supervision and monitoring and evaluation



of engineering projects for which if he/she carries out the exercises negligently he/she can be sued under the Engineers Act. In such a case the engineer could be deregistered or suspended from practicing the profession. That is why we require engineers to familiarize themselves with the Code of Ethics for Engineers and understand the fundamental principles, the fundamental canons, rules of practice and professional obligations.

The Engineers Act 2011 requires that a practicing engineer undergoes continuing development education regularly. This continuing professional development education for the engineer is expected to provide the engineer with new techniques of addressing engineering problems in line with developments in technology.With time the professional engineer acquires experience in engineering works and in management thereby attracting promotion to head sections and departments in the relevant engineering fields.

5. Continuing professional development education

As indicated above, the Engineers Acts 2011 emphasizes the need for practicing engineers to undergo continuing professional development education where they are trained to enhance their capacity to deliver through attending seminars, short courses, holiday and evening classes, during which time the participants are exposed and taught modern techniques of addressing the tasks that they undertake including emerging engineering problems. Additionally, continuing education can provide opportunities for engineers to improve their academic and professional qualifications.

Continuing education can also be structured to provide industry specific programmes which can be mounted by universities jointly with relevant industries. In this spirit universities can introduce sandwich programmes and design courses which are tailor-made to suit specific industries. Indeed, we need to ensure that Kenyans are trained so as to empower them to be able to manage the type of technology that is relevant to the knowledge economy, and since engineers are the key actors in the infrastructure development, it is necessary to ensure that they are trained comprehensively so that they can provide the necessary professional leadership.

6. The way forward

Given that we need to enhance the economic status of Kenyans through industrialization and given that engineers are the main drivers of industrialization, there is need for us to give engineering education and training the priority it deserves. It is therefore necessary to consider the way forward by looking at the elements that contribute towards effective engineering education and training with the objective of achieving the goals and targets envisaged in the Vision 2030.

When discussing the issue of engineering education and training in Kenya the main facilitators include: Universities, industries, and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, the Engineers Board of Kenya and

the Government of Kenya. The following outlines the way forward in respect of each of the above facilitators.

6.1 Role of the universitiesIn the area of university education in engineering, there is the need to improve on the University-Industry linkages in order to enrich the training of engineering graduates and make them relevant and readily employable. Additionally, there is the need to develop policies that encourage university staff to participate in university-industry linkages.

In order for Kenya to rise to the next development orbit level, universities must give research and development and innovation in engineering enhanced attention. This is bound to create more opportunities for training graduate engineers who are equipped with relevant technology for the future. Universities should also undertake extension services to the community with the aim of participating in the development of the industrial base.

Additionally, we must undertake to develop and maintain efficient industries and infrastructure with the accompanying properly trained human resources including engineers who have capacity to develop and manage the industries and the associated infrastructure. Universities should continue to get involved in carrying out research whose findings can eventually be adopted by industries leading to more effective university-industry linkages and the resulting enhanced economic development.

Again universities need to get engaged in lobbying the government and the industry in order to influence policy formulation which enhances university-industry linkages. In this respect, universities could carry out research aimed at developing suitable models and pilot projects which they can incubate and transfer the same to the industry for full scale implementation, thereby, creating employment and enhancing the economic base of our country.

6.2 Role of industriesThe role played by industries in the realization of successful engineering education and training is significant. In this respect, industries should be encouraged to work closely with the university dons in order to achieve a higher adoption of modern technology in industries, thereby, leading to development of accompanying employment opportunities for graduate engineers as well as professional engineers.

When one looks at the industries in Kenya, it is clear that many industries have little or no relationship with universities, yet not only do we need industries to have inputs in the development of the academic curricular for engineers, we also need to see our industries offering opportunities to university dons and students in order to familiarize themselves with the world of work in industries through practical vocational attachments for students pursuing engineering degrees. We would also like to see staff exchange between industries and universities.

6.3 Role of the governmentGiven that our mainstay of Kenya’s economy is agriculture



where we are able to produce a large variety of raw products, the government would like to see whether it is possible to add value to these products by introducing scientific and technological know-how so that the final products can compete in the local and international market. Since engineers are the key actors in introducing techniques to enable conversion of raw materials into sellable final products, the Government needs to enhance the training of engineers by investing in engineering education and training as well as in the development of relevant industries.The Government needs to take an active role in facilitating the collaboration between universities and the industries including formulating such policies and legislation as would enhance such collaboration. When such collaboration has been achieved, universities will exploit the opportunity in educating and training of engineers more efficiently and effectively.

6.4 Role of the Institution of Engineers of KenyaThe Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) is generally concerned with the welfare of engineers starting from the time a student enters the university and after she/he graduates. The IEK is also concerned about the internship of graduate engineers and one’s development even after one has acquired registration status as a professional engineer or even as a consulting engineer. As a result, the IEK organizes seminars and short courses to assist those preparing for professional interviews. Again, IEK organizes conferences where engineers present papers about their experiences. Through such seminars and conferences the IEK is able to influence the growth pattern of students, graduate engineers and, even, the professional engineers.

In order to assist the engineering students IEK must undertake to ensure that industrial attachments, for engineering students, and

graduates are an accepted responsibility by the industries in Kenya as an input towards preparing the engineering graduates for the world of work.

6.5 Role of the Engineers Board of KenyaThe main role of the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) as articulated in the Engineers Act 2011, is to register Graduate Engineers, Professional Engineers, Consulting Engineers, Engineering firms etc. The EBK is also expected to approve and accredit university engineering programmes, and the Act allows EBK to establish a School of Engineering for providing facilities and opportunities for learning, professional exposure and skills acquisition and cause continuing professional development programmes for engineers to be held. This shows that EBK is a main actor in the area of engineering education and training in Kenya.

References

i) The Engineers Act 2011, Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 20 (Acts No. 43). The Government Printer.

ii) Code of Ethics for Engineers. The Engineers Registration Board, 1990.

iii) Training Professionals for Infrastructure Development: The Troika of Government, Industry and Academia by F.J. Gichaga. The Transformative and Effective Infrastructure Conference Report. 2nd – 3rd November 2010. PP 78-82.

iv) Industrialization of counties and the Vision 2030 by F.J. Gichaga. Kenya Engineer. January/February 2014. PP 35 -38.

v) Policy and Guidelines and Training Manual for an Internship Programme for Graduate Engineers. Final Report. Engineers Board of Kenya, March 2014.


» Continous workplace professional development at Power Techniques workshop along Mombasa road, Nairobi

Organizer:Partners:

East and CEntral afriCa‘s lEading tradE fair for

sECurity, ProtECtion and tEChnology

Securing East Africa‘s Future20th – 22nd August 2014Security Trade FairNairobi, Kenya

REPUBLIC OF KENYAMINISTRY OF TRADE Taking Care

Kenyatta international Conference Centre

www.secproteceastafrica.com

20th – 22nd August 2014Security Trade FairNairobi, Kenya

secprotec AZ 210x275 RZ.indd 1 10.04.14 10:51


Organizer:Partners:

East and CEntral afriCa‘s lEading tradE fair for

sECurity, ProtECtion and tEChnology

Securing East Africa‘s Future20th – 22nd August 2014Security Trade FairNairobi, Kenya

REPUBLIC OF KENYAMINISTRY OF TRADE Taking Care

Kenyatta international Conference Centre

www.secproteceastafrica.com

20th – 22nd August 2014Security Trade FairNairobi, Kenya

secprotec AZ 210x275 RZ.indd 1 10.04.14 10:51


The road accident on Nandi-Chemeli l road, that le f t 16 p a s s e n g e r s d e a d a f t e r a n overloaded 14-seater matatu

plunged into a valley, raised major concerns on the situation of our roads. 10 passengers died on the spot while six others were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

A report released by a British firm indicates that Nakuru-Nairobi highway is amongst the 22 most dangerous roads to drive in the world. The report indicates that drivers not the conditions of the road are the major cause of the accidents. In 2010, traffic fatalities hit a record of 24.1 deaths per 100,000 populations totaling the annual

road death in Kenya to 3,055 per annum. A road that I frequently use, the Mahi-Mahiu to Narok, road is also accident prone. Current road accidents occur between Suswa Police Station and Ilmasharian.

Most of the accidents occurring on this road and across the country are attributed to the way people behave on the road. Respect should be of great essence among motorists, cyclists and, even, pedestrians. Courtesy does not cost anything.

Road accidents on Narok road are attributed to 60% poor road design and maintenance, 25% driver’s error, 10% defective vehicles and 5% weather, poor vision or floods.

Road transport in Kenya accounts for 80 per cent of the country’s total transport making it very significant in terms of economic development therefore there is need to enact measures which are geared towards curbing mortality, morbidity and increased cost of healthcare resulting from preventable road accidents.

Recent policies to curb road carnage include the introduction of alcohol breathalyzers on major highways. This will greatly curb road accidents. The tough rules on matatu vehicles that include the installation of speed governors is also a very good move. In order to restore sanity on our roads, there should be strict law enforcement.

Transportation

Arresting road carnageby Eng. John Ole Keko

John Ole Keko is a principal engineer at Batley Ole Keko Engineers, based in Queensland, Australia. » In Sept 23, 2013, this bus rolling killed 42 in Kenya


Un-roadworthy vehicles should also be eliminated from the road. Review of the Traffic Act should be done with the aim of disbanding traffic police and the introduction of a command center so as to reduce human to human contact reducing the chances to exchange bribes. The traffic police department should ensure there is close monitoring of buses and matatu stages, or junctions. The officers should ensure proper use of signals. Stationary police blockades to identify vehicles with defective lighting and indicator systems are needed to get them off the roads until they are repaired.

Traffic law enforcers should adopt the Intelligent Traffic Management Systems on

the highways to aid in monitoring traffic on the roads using machine readable number plates and cameras. The cameras can assist the police in monitoring and punishing law breakers as data will be captured and stored in a central database. The different authorities that are concerned with roads should manage, develop, rehabilitate and maintain the road network properly.

The following must be addressed to avert further road carnage in the country; Improved signage that alerts drivers of condition of road ahead; speed limits signage’s where appropriate; removal of animals grazing on the roadside like donkeys at Ntulele; introducing traffic calming devices and road marking;

strategic traffic police locations with speed radar gun; drivers’ random breath test for drug and alcohol; corrective and routine road maintenance; slip lane and rumps construction in all major intersections and centers and Broken down vehicles should also be cleared immediately from the highway.

These could be implemented at the County government level with support from national highway authorities. Highway road engineers could apply modern road engineering principals to control the road carnage and work closely with traffic police to impose the road use rules and regulation on this section of the road.

Leveraging insight from Big Data

Big Data analytics is touted for its ability to help organisations in the financial services industry improve

their customer experience, manage risk, and more accurately and detect fraud. However, financial services organisations also need to comply with a variety of regulations, both local and international, around access to information, client privacy and so on. The conflicting demands of driving as much insight as possible from Big Data while complying with legislation need to be carefully managed to ensure Big Data is used in a responsible fashion to drive the insights required. Data governance and data quality are key in achieving the benefits of Big Data while meeting compliance objectives.

Insights derived from the analysis of Big Data can assist financial services organisations in a number of areas. However, privacy, particularly privacy of customer information, has become increasingly important in recent years. For example, in South Africa, the Protection of Personal Information Bill (PoPI) has been signed into law, promising severe penalties for companies that abuse personal information. PoPI is a data governance bill which governs the full life cycle of personal data from capture to destruction. In light of this and similar legislation governing data usage, it is vital to ensure that any use of Big Data is appropriate and does not conflict with compliance objectives.

by Gary Allemann

These challenges are exacerbated by the relative lack of practical experience of South African professionals in big data implementations. Master Data Management’s Gary Allemann chaired the Big Data and Analytics in Finance Conference that took place at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai from 01 - 02 April 2014. The conference featured practical case studies from some of the world’s largest financial institutions on the application of Big Data to improve the customer experience and manage risk. The experts also covered the importance of data governance, compliance and data quality to their Big Data successes.

About Master Data ManagementMaster Data Management (MDM) combines education, consulting and technologies to provide complete data management solutions with a focus on Data Governance and Compliance, Data Quality and Master Data Management. MDM leverages the international expertise of its vendors, including Harte Hanks Trillium Software, Collibra and eLearningCurve.com to enhance our ten years local experience. MDM’s solutions have assisted clients in f inancial services , government , m in ing and t e l ecommunica t ions .

Data Management


CAD ServicesMining

Clamour for mining regulations

Base Titanium, based in Kwale, has already made export shipments of rare earth metals to China. The western areas, Lake Victoria region

and areas off the coast of the Indian Ocean have proved potent for mining. Coal has been found in Kitui in the east, and iron ore is in Taita. African Barrick Gold is busy in Kenya’s exploration scene. Over and above these, there is continued mining in the country of minerals like limestone, fluorspar and soda ash.

With this in mind, the government is putting together a mining bill. For the first time, Kenya has a dedicated a ministry to this sector. The Mining Bill went through first reading on April 22 and the 2nd reading was set for the resumption of sessions of the National Assembly from 3rd of June 2014

The bill is set to replace Mining Act 1940 which has outlived its usefulness and cannot handle the emergent situations in the country. It, for example, fails to take note of the devolved units of governance that came into force with the enactment of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. More over, the old Mining Act fails to address investment issues arising within the industry such as delayed licensing. Finally, it lacks a clear revenue-sharing model between the national, county governments and local communities living around mines.

The mining bill has sparked a lot of debate and stimulated contributions from the various players in the mining sector and, even, the general public. Mining companies, for instance, have been petitioning the Ministry of Mining to shelve a requirement that all international mining firms give up 35 per cent of their shareholding to local investors.

Miners are also strongly opposed to the new royalty rates proposed by the ministry. The draft law seeks to raise royalties paid by mining companies to the government from the current 3 per cent for most minerals to as high as 12 per cent for precious gems such as diamonds.

Kenya currently has a moratorium on mining licences, until the Mining Bill 2014 is passed into law. This follows the suspension of 42 mining licences by the mining cabinet secretary Mr Balala on 5th August last year. He also reviewed the exploration charges to companies.

There is contention with the various ways the bill proposes revenue will be shared. This has prompted the Commission on Revenue Allocation Chairman to raise this issue with Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala. The Chairman, Micah Cheserem has written to Cabinet Secretary for Mining Najib Balala asking him to reinstate revenue-sharing

clauses which the Commission had proposed in the Bill but have since been dropped.

Still on revenue sharing, the Senate has published the Natural Resources (County Royalties) Bill 2013. Senator Agnes Zani, who chairs the special Senate committee on royalties from minerals, says that the bill gives communities 20 per cent of royalties from minerals and the county government another 20 percent.

It is important to note that the Senate bill gives the national government 60 percent of the royalties while the national assembly bill gives it 75 percent. The community gets 5 percent in the Mining Bill 2014 while the natural resources bill gives the community 20 percent. The Senate’s Select Committee on County Royalties on Natural Resources crafted the Bill as communities demanded a bigger share of mining royalties and other benefits related to control and exploitation of resources.

On a close review of the bill, one realizes labor relations are much muted. A close study of mining activities in developed or developing countries, makes it clear that labor has been the mining linchpin. The struggles of Marikana miners a tragedy of our times come to mind. In the 80’s one the United Kingdom national coal miners’ strike defined the demise.

The bill poorly addresses environment, safety, health and sustainablity issues.These core issues are left to other bills despite that mining necessitates special industry-specific legislation for these issues.Through Article 158, the Bill negligently abandons the regulations on safety and health of persons employed in mines to the whims of the cabinet secretary.

The articles touching on skill transfer, empowerment of the locals and corporate social responsibility, like Article 51, are loosely written. They leave a lot to the machinations of the cabinet secretary. As the Kenyan mining scene grows, we hope that the legislations that comes to force does not prove conflicting and have people development as their core.

» A mining site along Nakuru-Nyahururu road.


A dream for fans, a nightmare for engineers

by George Omondi

“Brazil is like a bride who got to the wedding late, but the event still goes on as expected,” those are the words of the Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo. His utterances try to quell the fears that curbed the preparations of the most watched sporting event in the world.

The preparations were dogged by eight stadium construction-related deaths, unfinished projects, public riots and a rapidly growing anxiety

for FIFA (Federation of International Football Association). This provided an unfortunate backdrop in what many view as the

cathedral and home of ‘joga bonito,’ the beautiful game.

Sao Paulo, the most populous city in Brazil and a major business hub in South America, welcomed the world on June 12 when it hosted the first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup pitting the home side against Croatia in the Corinthians Arena.

On May 18, the local World Cup Organizing Committee, chaired by Mr. Rebelo, organized a match between Corinthians and Figueirense as a test match to ascertain if the stadium was structurally sound.

What followed was a case for concern,

not only for FIFA, but also, for most of the participating nations who were starting to question the preparedness of the largest nation in South America. Close to 36,000 fans had a torrid time due to poor elevators, intermittent cell-phone reception and dim lights. To top it off, some received a soaking from a heavy storm because part of the roof was not completed.

This came after a crane collapsed and damaged part of the stadium killing two people in the process. Fabio Luis Pereira, one of the victims, succumbed after a humongous metal structure fell on a truck while he was inside. The debris engulfed the second victim who markedly shared the

» Constrution of a stadium before the start of World Cup 2014, in Brazil.

Engineering the World Cup


CAD Services

same name (Ronaldo) as the player whose goals won Brazil the World Cup in 2002, the last time Brazil was crowned champion.

The local team (Corinthians), that normally plays in the stadium, claim the venue will cost approximately $431 million (Sh. 36.6 billion), a 14 percent jump from the original price.

As standard operating procedure, a vetting committee led by FIFA vice president Jerome Valcke organized an inspection of the stadium after its completion and after careful assessment by the team. They concluded that the structure was not safe. This is because one of the temporary stands fell short of requirements and was consequently denied a safety certificate.

This was realized just days before the arena hosted the opening match. And if that is not pressure enough, more than one billion people tuned in to the razzmatazz of the opening ceremony.

The same tune was being played in other cities. Porto Alegre was struggling to patch up its own venue and Curitiba came close to losing its right as a host city after construction delays. Stadium-related delays are just the tip of an iceberg full of drawbacks from a technical point of view.

The buildup to hosting the World Cup heavily rested on the ability of Brazil to put up the needed infrastructure. The cost of this sparked a lot of public dissent. However, the Brazilian government has tried to reframe the World Cup not as a cost but as an investment opportunity for Brazil. The government predicts that the event will add approximately $13.6 billion to the world’s seventh largest economy.

“The Cup is not a panacea but a catalyst for Brazilian development. It was a key factor behind Brazil finally overhauling its infrastructure,” said Rebelo, the Brazil Sports Minister. More than $ 3.5 billion in taxes has gone into the development of infrastructure in the 12 stadiums. According to theWall Street Journal, that whopping figure is twice as much as what was spent in the last two World Cups (South Africa and Germany).

Lack of a flexible rail network dictates that the favored form of transport is air given the vast distances between stadiums. Over 3.5 million people were expected to use public transport and this number poses another challenge. Delays in refurbishment of airports did not help matters either. Many did resign to the idea that the upgrading of airports will take place after the World Cup. The city of Fortaleza, which lagged desperately behind in construction of a new terminal, had to use tents to accommodate the influx of visitors.

The Brazilian government made a deliberate decision, to spread the tournament spirit by having matches across the country to heighten fanfare. This came with its set of challenges, and the government later admitted that it had made a mistake.

Firstly, the long arduous journey between games discourages travelling supporters from following their favorite team. Closely related to that is the added stress it puts on the internal transport system.

The Kenyan government promised, through its manifesto, to build and refurbish five stadiums across the country i.e. Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa. If iconstruction commences the government better use Brazil as a case study and carefully takes notes of the limitations that come with adopting such an extensive project.

Additionally, a bold decision was made to build a stadium in the middle of the Amazon (Arena de Amazonia). Floods and frequent thunderstorms are a constant feature in the rainforest which challenge supporters and engineers as well since they have to deal with the constantly rising water levels of Rio Negro.To get to the remote city, you have to fly or take a boat for five days crossing the famed Amazon River. The engineers had to tear down an old stadium to make room for a modern structure.

On top of that, 6700 tonnes of steel and other building materials had to be transported across in the midst of average air temperature of 34 degrees coupled with 80 percent humidity. The England team that was set to rumble in the jungle with Italy in

their opening match in Manaus did express their discontent with the choice of venue.“Manaus is not an ideal place to play football because it’s in the middle of the rainforest and the middle of the Amazonian jungle…I’ve never seen Brazil play games in Manaus,” reported England coach R. Hodgson

A few months back, three construction workers died while working on the Arena de Amazonia and one of them fell from an unfinished seating area. These problems devoured a huge chunk of the timeframe since the Labor minister expressed safety concerns and stopped construction for two weeks. Companies had to part with significant amounts of money in compensation to avert any litigation.

The physical legacy, therefore, has to continue playing a major role in Brazilians’ lives lest they assume the dreaded tag of white elephants. Take for instance, Manaus, the stadium will host just four games and cost $319 million. Some are wondering what it will be used for after the tournament. Nacional, the biggest club in Amazonian capital ply their trade in the bottom division of the Brazilian league and have an average attendance of less than a thousand people per match. Will the 42,000 seater stadium be an automatic fit for them? No. The maintenance cost alone stands at $250,000. The government is looking to secure a public-private partnership to offset the cost. Therefore, this appears to be an illogical project as the stadium is for use now not for the future.

Maybe that’s how the World Cup spirit should be. It should make us press the pause button on normal life and just enjoy the spectacle. The situation surrounding the quality of stadiums will no doubt have a direct bearing on the legacy of the Cup and this is the domain of engineers. We will see whether the stadiums are good enough vessels to hold the emotional rollercoaster of thousands of eager spectators, or if they will crumble under pressure.

Kenyan engineers will no doubt do better when their turn comes to engineering infrastructure or the World Cup once they get their chance

Engineering the World Cup

KENYA ENGINEER - July/August 2014 2121 KENYA ENGINEER - July/August 2014

It was a sigh of relief for residents of Mumias Municipality and its environs with the coming into operation of the ultramodern Mumias Water Supply plant.

The plant, whose construction has been going on for the last two years was implemented by Lake Victoria North Water Services Board with joint financial support from the Government of the Republic of Kenya and World Bank through the International Development Association at cost of over Kshs 1.6 billion. The Water Supply was constructed by a Chinese firm, Jiangxi Zhongmei Engineering Construction Co. Ltd and supervised by Mangat, I.B Patel and Partners Consulting Engineers.

“The construction period took longer than the expected time because of the erotic rain patterns in the region. Western Kenya is a region endowed with a lot of rainfalls and often we would have downpour as early as 10.00 oclock completely disorganizing our plans. We are however very happy the work was finally finished, and to extremely high standards,” says Resident Engineer, Eng. Dinnesh Hirani.

The works were completed in February and handed over to the Kakamega Busia Water Supply for operationalization. “The supply could not have come at a better time. We are sincerely grateful to Lake Victoria North Water Services Board, the Government of Kenya and the World Bank for the success of the project,” acknowledges the MD of the Kakamega Busia Water Supply Mr. Shadrack Weghulu. He adds, “Our customers in Mumias have really suffered from inadequate and infrequent water supply. The old Water Supply system had dilapidated infrastructure all the way from the intake, treatment works and distribution lines. Water rationing was the order of the day. In addition, there were frequent water bursts

because of the old and worn out distribution lines; actually we were supplying less than thirty percent of the population of Mumias town,” clarified the MD.

Under the just completed Mumias Water Supply Project, a new gravity scheme has been constructed adequate for Water Supply in Mumias Municipality and surrounding peri-urban areas to meet future demand up to the year 2025. The new Water Supply has increased production of portable water from the previous 1,618 to 15,000m3 per day, against the projected demand of 14, 769m3 per day. This is intended to serve over 150, 000 people. The old system with a capacity of 1,215m3 per day was also rehabilitated to serve the adjoining lower rural areas by gravity.

Previously, Mumias Municipality was served by a combination of surface water and ground water systems even though the supply was inadequate to meet the town’s demands. The main surface water source

was River Lusumu, which flows along the southern boundary of the municipality, a distribution network comprising of a 1.7km-50mm diameter, a 5.4km 50-100mm in diameter and a 4.6km 100-200mm diameter pipeline network in the municipality.

The new system has a raw water intake upstream of the present one on River Lusumu some 28kilometers from Mumias Town. The distribution network has been expanded to about 13 km and 14km long ferrous pipe of 600mm and 500mm in diameter respectively, with an increase in production of potable water from the previous 1, 618m3/d to 15,000m3/d. The project also had a new reinforced concrete tank constructed at Ekero near Mumias Town with a capacity of 5,000m3 to boost water storage and supply in the centre.

Construction works for the new supply was preceded by minor rehabilitation works to the existing water treatment works and distribution network to ensure optimum

From an Engineering plan to a water supply plant;the reality of Mumias water supply

» The intake point for the Water Supply, located at River Lusimu some28 Kilometers from Mumias town

by Daniel Owino

Advertorial

22 KENYA ENGINEER - July/August 2014 KENYA ENGINEER - Juky/August 2014 22

Lake Victoria North Water Services Board,

“ Maji Safi Maisha Bora”

Lake Victoria North Water Services BoardKefinco Hse, Off Kakamega-Kisumu road

P.O Box 673 - 50100, Kakamega-KenyaTel: +254 56 30795/31552

Fax:+254 56 31506Email: [email protected]

www.lvnwsb.go.ke

» Control panels in the New Mumias Water Treatment plant; an Engineering Masterpiece

» Side view of the new Mumias Water Treatment Works

» LVNWSB CEO George Kwedho (right) illustrates a point to Andreas Rohde of the World Bank during one of the review missions in the construction stages of the Mumias Water Supply project.

operations during the construction of the new system till the new project came on line.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has granted the Board Additional Finances through the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources for implementation of more projects.

Some of the major projects to be implanted under this second phase of the WaSSIP programme include: Expansion of Kapsoya Treatment Works and Ellegerini pipeline in Uasin Gishu County, Kipkarren dam Water Supply Project, Extensions for Kapsowar/ Kapcherop Water Distribution network, Electricity generation from Eldoret Waste Water Treatment Plant. Others are Rehabilitation of Kwanza Water Supply Project and construction of Sanitation facilities for informal settlements in Mumias and Eldoret Towns.

This programme shall also undertake drilling and equipping of drought mitigation boreholes in a number of drought affected parts of the Board. This will come together with a package Treatment Units and Supply of Plastic Tanks to mitigate on droughts.

Considered for social reasons were Investments for indigenous people (IP) Sengwer and Informal Settlements. The informal settlements targeted include Eldoret, Kitale, Bungoma and Mumias. A project to serve the Sengwer upstream of Kapcherop Treatment Works was also included.

The programme, WaSSIP Additional Financing (WaSSIP - AF) has been rolled out by the Board and the targeted projects are at different implementation stages.

Advertorial


was able to implement a total of sixty two access points in ten universities across Kenya and, with partial funding from Google and Kenya Education Network, was able to implement in nine more universities a total of thirty-one access points. This makes a total of nineteen Universities and a total of ninety-three access points.

Objectives

There has been a trend with most universities in Kenya to automate their services through use of enterprise resource planning (ERP). Thus, the students will be able to do services like online registration, check online timetable, check grades on-line and access many other services. Most of the universities are opting to also put up lecture notes and continuous assessment tests (CATs) online for

Implementing Campus Wireless LANby Maureen Wanja - Systems Administrator, KENET

Introduction

Kenya Education Network (KENET) is a national research and education network that promotes the use of information telecommunications technology (ICT) in teaching, learning and research in higher education institutions in

Kenya. KENET aims to interconnect all the universities, tertiary and research institutions in Kenya by setting up a cost effective and sustainable private network with high speed access to the global Internet. KENET also facilitates electronic communication among students and faculties in member institutions, share learning and teaching resources by collaboration in research and development of educational content.

Kenya Education Network, under the Kenya Transparency and Communications Infrastructure Project (KTCIP) phase 2 lot 3,

ICT

Maureen Wanja Njue holds a Bachelor of Science Electronic and Computer Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and is also CCNA certified. Maureen joined KENET in 2008 as an intern and was eventually employed as an Assistant Systems Administrator and later promoted to Systems Administrator. She mainly focuses on Campus networks design and implementation. This includes both LAN and Wireless LAN design and implementation. Maureen is the lead in implementing eduroam in Kenya and also is the lead in the training services offered by KENET to member institutions.

» The mode of Education and Technology in universities demands for continous connection to the internet


Kenya.The access points implemented were lightweight access points. These are access points that rely on a controller for management. Some Universities had Cisco access points while others had HP access points implemented. KENET also provided some uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and servers to the Universities where needed.

Challenges

LAN designThe wireless local area network (LAN) was setup as an extension of the LAN at the universities and relied on the campus backbone so as to extend access to the students/ faculty at the various locations. Some of the campus networks do not have a proper design and would just be a basic flat LAN and would not scale properly. One of the requirements for setup of the wireless was for the wireless local area network (WLAN) to be on its own virtual local area network (VLAN). Yet, in some of the universities, they had a flat network, lacked intelligent switches and could not implement VLANS.

There was also lack of/poor documentation of the existing LAN and WLAN at the Universities that delayed implementation. Some universities lacked proper internet protocol (IP) address management and allocation policies. One university even had a 24 hour address block assigned to the WLAN. This would not scale well and they had to re-evaluate the IP address management and allocation policies at some of the universities.

Electrical powerSome of the universities are located in areas where the main power supply is not constant and experiences frequent outages. The universities have invested in a diesel generator, however the

ease of access. Thus the students need to be able to access these resources. Not all the universities have enough for students to access. The computer labs are only accessible during limited times of the day. The projects aimed to increase connectivity to the students and enable them access University resources even after business hours. More and more universities allow students to bring their personal computers to the campus network and some like Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) are looking to make it a requirement that each student joining the University has a laptop.

The ninety-three access points may seem like a small number of access points, however most Kenyan Universities have a poor or nonexistent wireless network and the access points that were setup went a long way in extending the coverage. The other objective of the project was to implement eduroam.

What is eduroam?

eduroam, education roaming (www.eduroam.org ) is the secure, world-wide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. eduroam allows students, researchers and staff from participating institutions to obtain internet connectivity across campus and when visiting other participating institutions by simply opening their laptop.

To get more information on where to find eduroam in Kenya, kindly visit www.eduroam.ac.ke

Project overview

The two projects underwent a tendering process under the strict KENET procurement process. The winning bids were selected and awarded to Dimension Data Kenya and Circuit Business Systems

ICT

Illustratiom 1 - eduroam map of Kenya.


a challenge for some of the network administrators to even create a VLAN or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) range to be used for the wireless LAN.

Wireless securityMoving the campus WLAN to eduroam is a challenge as the universities either lacked a compatible database or the database was not up to date. In these instances, the university could have the faculty registered on database like Active Directory and have the students reguster as individuals.

In some universities they did not have a database of the students and faculty and had to setup a MySQL database that the network engineers could populate using the details of the students and faculty. This was setup on the server that was delivered and installed at the university as part of the project. This was quite essential so as to fully implement eduroam at the University.

Bandwidth management and optimization Most of the universities do not buy enough bandwidth for the campus and also lack any form of bandwidth management. Thus some Universities opted to switch off the wireless LAN as they figured out some form of bandwidth management. Some of the Universities decided to limit the amount of bandwidth on the wireless and others opted to block some sites and services. We, at KENET, decided to conduct a training so as to enable the Universities to have the skills to manage the devices and also do Bandwidth Management Optimization policies on their network.

Training

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Wireless training was conducted on July 29 to August 2, 2013. This was a vendor specific training to enable the network administrators manage the wireless devices.

KENET also conducted a Campus WLAN and BMO Training from August 11 to August 24, 2013. This was to enable the Network Administrators at the University gain skills on how to effectively manage the campus bandwidth.

Illustration 3: Campus WLAN and Bandwidth Management Optimization (BMO) Training

generator would not serve the entire campus and some of the access points and active devices would not be powered.

Lack of clean power for the access points and network equipment was apparent in most of the universities. The universities need to invest in centralized UPS systems, for example, on a per building basis. Powering the network devices and access points directly to the main power supply put the devices at risk of being damaged by power surges. At some of the universities, UPS’s were installed so as to prevent damage of the equipment.

Some of the locations where many students gathering to use the wireless network lacked electrical sockets. It was difficult for students to recharge their laptops and other portable devices. This meant the students could not work continuously and would need to keep recharging the wireless devices at separate locations, mostly halls of residence.

WLAN policiesMost of the universities lack well defined policies on the usage of the frequency spectrum within and around the campus. Some universities have allowed commercial providers to set-up wireless devices within the campus and are using the free license band. The commercial devices cause interference to the campus WLAN devices. A well-defined usage of the frequency spectrum would avoid the interference of the campus WLAN.

Due to the lack of proper wireless coverage at universities, one finds that the students setup access points and join them to the LAN. This is a high security threat as the students could join a network that is highly restricted. The university should enforce port security on the switches preventing students and malicious persons from setting up rogue access points.

Technical capacityThe universities lacked skilled technical capacity that was capable of managing and administering both the wired and wireless network. Some universities had the LAN designed and implemented by external contractors, however once the contractor left site, the technical team could not administer it fully. This proved

ICT


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An Engineer trains on the job

Field Training

by Gordon Lau

It’s April 2014 and I am in rural Kenya. “This is the new model of wood burning stoves. They are selling like hotcakes!” Zappora quips as she flips through her product catalogue, sporting her branded yellow golf shirt. We are in a van bumping along a

dusty road leading away from Kitui Town to an even more remote settlement some hours away. Zappora continues to expound the virtues of the stove. It is durable, insulated and reduces cooking fuel costs for a typical meal to ten Shillings. The traditional three-stone cooking method that’s been used for generations costs 50 Shillings in fuel per meal. As an engineer, I can’t help but admire the stove’s design.

Zappora’s and her colleagues’ confidence and energy are infectious, and my team and I can’t wait to see them in action. As

I soothe my tailbone after a particularly large bump, it dawns on me how fortunate I am to be here, in rural Kenya, and how my engineering education really didn’t prepare me for this—or for any work with customers in the field, for that matter.

I trained as a biomedical engineer at the University of Toronto. After some work abroad, I completed a master’s degree in biotechnology. What I didn’t have experience in a few months ago was observing customers in the field, which is exactly what brought me to Kenya.

With no small amount of serendipity, I joined Grameen Foundation a year and a half ago, honored to work in a team of professionals dedicated to combating poverty with innovation. Examples of our work include mobile savings products in the Philippines and a

Gordon Lau is a customer success professional who specializes in training, support and Salesforce.com implementation. With engineering and business management backgrounds, prior to joining the Grameen Foundation, he worked as the operations manager for the largest online company which specializes in Indonesian legal information. His other past roles include coordinating international clinical trials for GlaxoSmithKline and providing technical support for a semiconductor corporation in Silicon Valley. He remains active in a Swiss charity for which he manages grants going to Afghanistan development projects.

» EzyLife technicians demonstrating how to use a wood fuel burning stove.


maternal information service in Ghana. I am part of a tech-startup building TaroWorks™--a Software as a Service solution. TaroWorks is increasingly becoming the first choice for managing field operations in the “last mile” or far flung areas where transportation is difficult and internet connectivity can be intermittent, at best.

The TaroWorks team operates as a business, and one of our target markets is social enterprises. Social enterprises are tax-paying, people-hiring businesses that sustainably solve social needs by using a viable business model. For example, Zappora’s employer, EzyLife, sells household goods which save time and money or increase productivity, like the efficient wood stove. To serve the vast market of underserved villagers, they use innovations like mobile sales teams (such as Zappora’s) and strategic partnerships with saving or self-help groups that make installment payments possible. Thus, rural Kenyans are able to benefit immediately from products distributed by EzyLife and the benefits accrue in a virtuous cycle.

Kenya is a world leader in social businesses. Others, including Sanergy, D.light and Honey Care Africa, count amongst world-renowned companies receiving sizable capital investment from abroad. (They also count amongst our customers!) Kenyan social enterprises face the challenge of how to effectively manage operations with clients who live in the last mile. With field staff potentially several days drive away, how can headquarters get vital information about activities and transactions? How can information from central databases empower field staff so that the staff can make better decisions when unable to contact head offices?

Field Training

Often these businesses first adopt paper processes as they are low cost investments and the least demanding on the field staff. Over time, they use spreadsheets which staff enter manually and email in. Even these processes eventually gum up as errors and omissions make a mockery of any attempt at system management. Thus, lacking timely and accurate data, the social enterprises cannot scale-up any further. Too often, system management problems limit the impact of otherwise brilliant ideas.

This is where Grameen Foundation comes in as TaroWorks allows organizations to put their workflow into an Android app, making it easy for field staff to follow standard operating procedures. TaroWorks collects information, reviews existing records or displays multimedia files in a specific order set by headquarters. I use the word ‘set’ because the user interface is all click-and-drag. No programming skills are needed.

Staff can complete tasks offline using our Android app, and store information in their mobile devices until it is convenient to sync with a secure server in the cloud. By automating paperwork, TaroWorks takes care of the details so that field staff can focus on the real value-adding tasks. While the system is simple, implementation isn’t always as easy as one might think. For example, some field staff have never seen a smartphone before. As a result, the app design needs to be intuitive and user-friendly. Hence our quest to understand our customers via observation and experimentation.

While every organization that uses Taroworks is unique, optimizing their experience with the product requires a systemic approach. What are the company’s goals? Which operations will they implement to pursue those goals? Who in the company will carry out which step in the process? What does the staff need to do their job? Who are the end customers, and what are their needs?

Let me return to my field visit. We arrive at a gathering of 20-25 people seated in an arc, and the EzyLife team takes turns presenting the product. They give a demo letting the attendees

feel the intensity of the stove’s heat and having a sales person stand on top of the stove to demonstrate its structural strength. (Don’t worry. These things didn’t happen at the same time.)

Zaporra asks the attendees if they would like to make a purchase. Hand after hand shoots up around the arc. The stoves sell like hotcakes indeed! While I take notes, she calls a motorcycle deliveryman to bring extra stock just to meet the demand.As I watch the scene, I wonder if the devices are getting in the way

No work of engineering exists in a vacuum. The user and environment are essential

parts of the ecosystem, and they are parts over which we have little control.

» EzyLife technicians demonstrating the structural strength of their stove.


Field Training

of the interaction between the salespeople and customers. Some of the field officers are adept at making the devices extensions of themselves. Instead of treating the device as an alien object, they explain what it is for and actively include the customer in the process of using it.

I observe that some salespeople are writing down customers’ names on paper. Perplexed, I ask why. It turns out that they have limited time with the group and that typing the transaction details into the device would take too long.

This problem spurs ideas in my mind. Is there anything we can do? Perhaps we should install a larger keyboard or preload the customer lists? Maybe we need to make use of the built-in barcode scanning function in our app?

I make a mental note to ask more about this problem later and ponder some of the pitfalls which we engineers face. In our training, we aren’t taught user-centric design or ethnographic research techniques. We are trained problem solvers, which is great, but we seem to suffer from the occupational hazards of not listening and not watching. We tend to prematurely jump in with what we see as the right way of doing things. This is an area where my design colleagues, skilled in user-centric design, do far better than we engineers usually do.

First hand, I am learning that establishing rapport is critical to a field visit. On this trip, I do not want to encourage anyone to be

afraid of getting something “wrong.” I am concerned that I don’t get into the habit of telling people what I think they want to hear without really listening to them. The goal is to talk to people rather than at them or, worse, down to them. Shortly after explaining my mission in the field, I make sure the customers know that I am interested in their opinions, because it is their user experiences in which I need to immerse myself. If they encountered any difficulty with our tool, I want to support them in finding their own solutions, so that they are empowered and feel invested in their relationship with the technology.

Once I am back in our Nairobi office, I share my experiences with our team, and we brainstorm solutions. Given that we have different backgrounds such as sales, programming and customer support, we often have different approaches. These various approaches might translate into a new feature on our product, a video on YouTube or a new topic at a live training.

No work of engineering exists in a vacuum. The user and environment are essential parts of the ecosystem, and they are parts over which we have little control. I would posit that any engineer who deems their work to be done after the last line of code is compiled or last panel is bolted down would be in for a rude shock. It doesn’t matter how busy we think we are, or how much our boss needs us in the office, it behooves us to get in a van, get out on the dusty, bumpy roads, and see things for ourselves.

» EzyLife technicians demonstrating how to use their android mobile app.


The Pedagogy of Engineering Education in Kenya

Engineering Education

by Achola Kevin - BsC Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nairobi

Achola Kevin is a graduate mechanical engineer registered with Engineers Board of Kenya and he serves as the Managing Editor at Intercontinental Publishers Limited, the publishers of Kenya Engineer.

» Engineering students conducting an experiment at the electrical machines lab at the University of Nairobi



Ever wondered why Kenya suffers from want of engineers yet there are so many engineering graduates? The level of innovation, inventions and research in our engineering departments will go up tremendously should we adopt

better pedagogical methods. To fuel our infrastructure drive and take control of our own country, as engineers we must revamp our engineering departments.

I was at Kenyatta University on 23rd May 2014 attending a stakeholders meeting towards their efforts to launch two new engineering projects, aerospace and energy engineering. The event was organized by Eng Martin Nzomo, the dean of the school of engineering at that university. Industry players, like Kenya Airways and the Kenya Defense Forces, were represented. The main objective was to tailor a syllabus that would be responsive

to industry needs.This is a curious departure from the way most engineering programs are tailored. Most people who went through engineering programs certified by the Engineers Board of Kenya left them as they found them.

When engineering institutions or personages are mentioned, one gets the sense that they are steeped in tradition. There is a sense that things are very static and rigid when engineering is involved. The public opinion that is currently pervasive and dangerous is that these institutions are so hard to move that even winning against them in court of law does not move them. This is, however, very contrary to the practices and principles of engineering. Engineers are the advocates and effectors of change.

There are some differences from decades ago, of course. There is social media to distract students and computers to assist with computation. The number of students has shot up tremendously due to the incorporation of parallel students. The homework assignments can just be scanned or simply copy-pasted from Wikipedia or any other source online. Projectors may find their use in the lecture halls of some universities. The once black board maybe white now and the professor may come with an ipad. It is, however, not hard to tell that it is the same old content being passed over in the same old way.

The curriculum and the methods applied in teaching engineering in Kenya were adopted wholesomely from Europe with a little addition from America. In those countries, these programs have since evolved to keep up with the times. Emerging ideas have been incorporated into the curricula and new courses adopted.The following paragraphs present some reasons for considering new methods to tackle the requirements of our times. Some of these 21st century challenges include: environmental issues, safety concerns, financial considerations, sustainability of resources and automation.

We live in the information age ushered in by several technological leaps. The amount of information hitting the engineer in the field is much more than what it was a few years ago. The information also evolves very fast calling for new methods to keep the curricula up to date.

Currently, it would be folly for one to be strictly equipped in only one discipline and attempt to compete with others. One would need information and communications skills and business skills just to name a few. In the early part of this century, engineering practice could be classified and dispensed along disciplinary lines. Knowledge in specific disciplines of engineering was well-defined and distinct. The difference between a business man and an engineer was much wider. The situation now is much more complex and intertwined. The decision-making process is now more involved and there is a need for the wholesome understanding of production as a business process and its relation to the entire society.

Industries are getting connected, standardized and certified. It is absurd for our learning institutions to be passed by. Succeeding


internationally requires wide cultural and economic understanding. The technological expertise required is also very wide and must be under constant improvement. A telecommunications engineer at Safaricom dealing with M-Pesa must understand how the banking system also works since they must work together for M-pesa to succeed.

There are also emergent issues in production that cannot just be brushed aside from the curricula. Issues like sustainability in the exploitation of resources and the responsibilities engineers have toward the society cannot be ignored. The green movement has also established its own merits and cannot be ignored. The Kenyan government has put in place several stringent measures to promote environmental sensitivity. Environment and safety fundamentals are now basic requirements to any practicing engineer regardless of their area of specialization. The issue of sustainability is particularly important for Kenya as Base Titanium, Tullow Oil PLC and other multinationals busy themselves exploiting our national resources.

The volume of information that engineers are collectively called upon to know is increasing far more rapidly than the ability of engineering curricula to cover it. Up to a decade ago most mechanical engineering graduates went to work in the manufacturing industry. Now they are increasingly finding employment in such nontraditional fields as sales, finance, management and environmental practice. Companies such as Davis and Shirtliff majorly recruit graduate engineers to do sales. To be effective across this broad spectrum of employment possibilities, our graduates should be multi-skilled.

No matter how many units and elective courses are offered, however, it will never be possible to teach engineering students everything they will be required to know when they go to work. A better solution may be to shift emphasis away from providing training in an ever-increasing number of specialty areas to providing a core set of science and engineering fundamental skills.

Future graduates of accredited programs by the Engineers Board of Kenya should possess qualities to those adopted in the Engineering Criteria 2000 of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). To quote them these qualities include: “an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data; an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams; an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; an ability to communicate effectively; the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global/societal context; a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning; a knowledge of contemporary issues; an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice”


» Attending delegates during the stakeholders’ workshop for KU’s new Aerospace Engineering and Energy Engineering programmes

ABET is a non-profit and non-governmental accrediting agency for academic programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET is a recognized accreditor in the United States


Demand for change

At the stakeholders meeting in Kenyatta University, Mr Dennis Koweru Omondi, a senior technical instructor (A&P) at Kenya Airways, asked the institutions of higher education to stop churning out graduates who are of no use to the industry. He added, supported by his two colleagues Mr Amboka and Mr Gatu both instructors in avionics, that the graduates they get from the local universities require up to two years additional instruction to be of any use in the aviation industry. This is costly and takes a lot of time forcing them to poach manpower from the Kenya Defense Forces.It is open secret that progressive engineers and industry have been exerting increased pressure on universities to pay more attention to the quality of their undergraduate teaching programs. The increased demand for engineers to spur growth in Kenya is further providing impetus to change.

The changes that will move engineering education in the desired directions may be grouped into four categories: revisions in engineering curriculum and course structures; implementation of alternative teaching methods and assessment of their effectiveness; establishment of instructional development programs for faculty members and graduate students; and adoption of measures to raise the status of teaching in society and in institutional hiring, advancement, and reward policies.

To leave things as they are is to continue to look to the rest of the world to handle our projects while complaining about the poverty of our graduates. These efforts to improve the quality of graduates from our universities should involve all the stake holders in engineering from the academia to the industry. Stakeholders’ workshops akin to the one at K U should be supported and encouraged. Without such efforts, we will increasingly decry the deficit in innovation and the wanting quality of graduates which we churn out.

Engineers should adopt values which include a willingness to participate, concern for the preservation of the environment, unequivocal commitment to quality and productivity, and involvement in service to others. The fallacious assumption of those who designed the current engineering curricula of throwing a common university unit here and another there just can’t cut it. What happens in our institutions of higher learning is the traditional learning approach. In this approach to teaching, the professor lectures and assigns readings and well-defined convergent single-discipline problems, and the students listen, take notes, and solve problems individually.

Alternative pedagogical techniques have repeatedly been shown to be more effective and much more likely to achieve the objectives of engineering training. Among these techniques are cooperative learning, inductive learning, the assignment of open-ended questions, multidisciplinary problems and problem formulation exercises, the routine use of in-class problem-solving and brainstorming.

Few tutors in Kenya have interest in high quality teaching. Some would like to do it but feel that they cannot afford to invest the necessary time and effort. The dominant strategy by lecturers is straight lecturing. Lecture classes are designed such that student involvement is essentially limited to passive observation.


» Engineer Nzomo (left) and Professor Okumu of Kenyatta University discussing at the stakeholders meeting

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THE 4th

EASTERN AFRICA

Harnessing potential mining investment in Eastern Africa

ORGANISED BY

www.kenyachambermines.com www.prescon-int.com

Prescon Ltd.

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DATE: 16 th - 17th, October 2014

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Finance & Engineering

Engineers need financial educationby Karibu Nyagah

Background

There has never been a better time in Kenya’s history for engineers, business owners and professionals to undertake the challenge of financial education. The financial sector is undergoing major changes which promise to improve

the lives of millions of Kenyans and create great opportunities for consulting engineers. The credit rating system is one example of how engineers and professionals can benefit from online financial education.

In order to reap the rewards of the credit rating system, most consultant engineers and business owners need to understand it as well as the financial habits and decision-making which lead to good credit. Earlier this year, banks, under the guidance of the Central Bank of Kenya, began to submit full-file information about their customers to Credit Reference Bureaus. This information allows Credit Reference Bureaus to develop credit scores. Similar to those in the United States and other parts of the world, these scores allow lenders to better assess one’s credit risk profile. Banks and other financial institutions are beginning to reward low risk clients with reduced interest rates on loans.

Unfortunately, financial education is not part of school or engineering curriculums. A recent survey on financial management revealed that people’s top sources of money management information are informal ones such as the internet, news articles and friends. (See Figure 1.) These sources may have their merits, but those who want more authoritative sources for their financial information will find informal sources insufficient.

In addition to improving engineering firms’ finances, it would be wise for managers to provide their employees financial education opportunities since financial wellness can often have a direct impact on employee performance and productivity. Employees who manage their finances well may be more focused at work. When employees are financially strained, their focus drifts to ways to supplement their income. These problems can decrease employee productivity, increases employee turnover and put undue pressure on compensation reviews.

Debt and the risk of over indebtedness are topics which too few people understand well. It is not surprising that there are many myths that surround the proper use of debt. Financial experts often advise that debt should be viewed as any other financial investment.

Karibu Nyaggah is the Managing Partner of Caytree Partners, an applied research firm that provides technology enabled solutions in Nairobi, Kenya. Karibu Nyaggah brings a wealth of expertise in risk management, leadership development, technology and investment management in the financial and education industries. Prior to Caytree Partners, Mr. Nyaggah served as the Chief Investment Officer and Director of Training at Sinapis Group. In addition to holding an MBA from Harvard Business School, Karibu earned his undergraduate degree in Business from the University of California, Berkeley.

» Students following lectures online



One should consider, “Is the debt going to provide a return on investment?” and “Will this debt yield a financial return?” For example, obtaining a mortgage to purchase a house is much wiser than purchasing an expensive car with a personal loan as the car will not yield any financial appreciation no matter how much fun it is to drive.

All too often, people use consumer debt, which is non-investment debt, to fuel lifestyles which are beyond their means. Even if the consumer can afford the loan payments, a sudden life emergency such as the loss of a job can jeopardize those loan payments and, if the consumer has not yet built an emergency fund, the debt can suddenly become financially crippling. Without a proper understanding of prudent debt management, young professionals can very easily find themselves in a financial pit out of which it is very difficult to climb.

As financial education is a major imperative for personal and professional development, the next question is how to best achieve that objective. What is the best way to share the information which people need? The answer is online education. Online education is a global wave which prominent institutions, such Harvard University and more accessible public colleges have adopted. There are many advantages of online education. Students are able to select courses and learn from the comfort of their home, office or even while on the go. Unlike traditional education which follows a set curriculum, online learning allows students to take the courses that they’re interested in and maximize the use of their time.

Online education makes sense for engineering consultants who want to leverage the power of the internet

* This chart is the intellectual property of Caytree Partners



to develop financial knowledge and skills. According to the Communications Commission of Kenya, in 2014, more than half of Kenya’s population has access to internet either through their computer or mobile phone. The proportion of engineers with internet access is even higher. The internet’s continued penetration will make it an important tool for knowledge dissemination and will inspire new ways of delivering content. Of the many types of courses for working professionals, online learning is particularly appropriate for engineers. Engineers are some of the most technical professionals and have a relatively high proficiency in online-related matters. The learning curve for an engineer taking an online course is much lower than it would be for other professionals who have less exposure to computers. Even if some engineers may not have high fluency on financial subjects, the core related discipline of mathematics means that engineers can pick up financial management concepts relatively easily. As a result, engineers and engineering firms stand to become some of the biggest beneficiaries of online financial learning.

As a result of demanding schedules and heavy workloads, the typical engineer today has little time to engage in non-core training. Online financial education, therefore, offers a compelling avenue for engineers to educate themselves on important financial topics. Engineering consulting firms who sponsor employees to take financial wellness courses online may directly benefit from reduced employee turnover, higher employee satisfaction and a stronger workforce.

Engineers who are involved in managing their firms can also benefit from taking these courses as they will learn about how to manage their businesses’ credit profiles to maintain good credit histories. As banks increasingly integrate credit reports in their lending decisions, financially savvy engineering firms can enjoy direct benefits through favorable lending terms, lower interest rates and better access to credit. This ability to access loans on good terms will continue to drive the economy forward. Using technology, particularly online learning, is going to be one of the most effective

We are proud to announce that, in April 2014, the Ministry of Energy and KENGEN declared three writers of Kenya Engineer finalists for Energy Journalism

Excellence Awards (EJEA). These outstanding writers are Booker Ngesa Omole, Daisy Wanja Gakuu and Achola Kevin.

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and efficient ways to reach the engineers and other professionals who are increasingly demanding the financial education they need to manage their businesses and newly earned personal wealth.

The Energy Journalism Excellence Awards aim at celebrating exceptional writing which informs the Kenyan public on this vital economic sector. On 17th April 2014, Kenya Engineer won the position of first and second runner up in the category of Nuclear Energy Story of the Year and Oil and Gas Downstream Story of the Year 2014, respectively.

The event took place at the Stanley hotel and was graced by all the main players in the energy sector including Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Kengen CEO Albert Mugo and Ben Chumo of Kenya Power and Lighting Company.

The Energy Cabinet Secretary encouraged CEOs in the energy sector to create time for journalists since poor journalism scares away investors. The threshold of the articles was anchored on their relevance, objectivity, accuracy, balance and the impact they had on the society. All these five values are of paramount importance to Kenya Engineer. Information is one of the most potent weapons against poverty and the main driver for development. Kenya Engineer appreciates your support as it continues to bridge the information divide.


Water & Power

Connecting water to power generation

Introduction

The water-energy correlation is the interrelationship of both water and energy. It highlights the extent to which energy and water are intertwined. By considering them jointly

one gets a comprehensive view of both. This approach also promises more sustainability than analyzing them seperately. Water and energy are so intimately conjoined that what affects one will have a profound effect on the other. The competition between water and energy should be of a critical importance to business, security, and environmental stakeholders. It is observable that it has not yet received the attention that it merits.

Energy connection to waterCurrently, 82 percent of Kenya’s power is supplied by hydropower. Other major energy sources include geothermal (8%), thermal (8.7%) and wind (0.01%).

All types of electricity generation consume water either to process the raw materials used in the facility or fuel, constructing and maintaining the plant, or to just generate the electricity itself through turning of a turbine etc. Renewable power sources as photovoltaic solar and wind power, which require little water to produce energy, require water in processing the raw materials to build the turbines and solar panels. If a wind turbine is mounted on a concrete or steel tower, additional water is required in the tower’s construction.Kenya is highly dependent on hydropower and the bulk of the electricity produced in the country is generated by the damming of rivers to produce hydro-electricity. Plants along the Upper Tana River Basin, which include Masinga, Kamburu, Kindaruma, Gitaru and Kiambere, produce the bulk of the electricity. Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is the leading electric power generation company in Kenya, producing about 80 percent of the electricity consumed in the country.

Hydropower generation absolutely depends on availability of water. Fluctuations in climatic parameters such as rainfall, temperature and wind speeds significantly affect the rate of evapo-transpiration, which in turn affects water in reservoirs and dams. This makes hydropower highly dependent and sensitive to climatic fluctuations, especially the extremes such as droughts and floods which are all functions of water. Droughts are known to be associated with low water levels in the major dams, while floods bring a lot of silt into the dams and can sometimes lead to destruction and damage to the turbines. It must be noted that the impacts of such climate fluctuations on water available for the hydro energy resource is direct.

Inadequate rainfall during the prolonged 1999-2000 drought, for example, led to severe water scarcity and shortage in electrical power supply, causing serious power rationing throughout Kenya. Consequently, the power industry was in dire straits due to its connection to water and dragged the whole economy down with it. In particular, the estimated losses in hydropower generation and industrial production due to water shortage during the 1999/2000 drought were over 2 billion US dollars according to World Bank.

In the effort to produce energy, a considerable amount of water is used to, cool thermoelectric power plants, grow feedstocks and convert them into biofuels, extract oil and natural gas from geologic formations, and extract oil shale in the event commercial production of this energy source becomes economically feasible in the future.Some of these sources of energy, such as biofuels that require the use of large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides to grow the feedstock, will also negatively affect water quality in the shape of runoff pollution.

The developments of oil and gas resources need a lot of water to develop and exploit. In the process they produce large volumes of wastewater known as “produced water” that must be disposed of or treated to allow for its reuse. With the imminent entry of Kenya into

editorial contribution

» Hydropower generation at Masinga Dam.


Water & Power

the league of oil producing countries this must be considered closely.

Taking up water for use in cooling for thermal power generation leads to the reintroduction of the water to join the main water body. It may join having different but harmful properties including a higher temperature or radiation which will prove harmful for the marine ecosystem and, even, humans.

Creating energy consumes enormous quantities of water. This consumption can be considered along three critical dimensions: consumption, withdrawal, and quality.

Consumption refers to water that disappears or is diverted from its source by evaporation, incorporation into crops or industrial processes, drinking water, etc. The source may or may not eventually be replenished. If replenished, the process could potentially take many years, decades, centuries, or longer.Withdrawal refers to water that is essentially “sucked up” for a given use, but then returned to its source. The quality of the returned water may or may not be the same as it was prior to removal.

Quality is an umbrella term that can refer to pollutants that enter the water; changes to oxygen content, salinity, and acidity; temperature changes; destruction of organisms that live in the water; and other alterations to the water make up.

Water connection to energyAs energy requires water, water supply and sewage disposal needs energy. Drinking water must be pumped to the treatment plant, pre-treated, and then pumped to consumers. In areas where fresh water is scarce and drinking water must be brought in from a long distance, the energy footprint for this drinking water is extremely high. The energy consumed for pumping groundwater is typically between 537 kWh and 2,270 kWh per million gallons depending on pumping depth.

Significant amounts of energy are needed to extract, transport, treat, and use water in urban areas, additionally contributing to energy demand. Massive pumps must be set up by the service companies which are always augmented by smaller pumps by the consumers. Boreholes and wells need energy to drill and even more to continuously use.

Pollution from energy production or consumption also has a profound effect on the quality and availability of water. Damming to produce electric power reduce water levels. The 6,000-megawatt Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on Ethiopia’s Blue Nile River, set to be completed in 2017, has raised concern in Cairo that it will reduce the flow of the Nile. The Nile provides almost all of Egypt’s water. Closer to home, the Ethiopian government is putting up the hydro-electric power dam dubbed Gibe III along River Omo, which is the main source of water for Lake Turkana. Environmental activists fear that the lake’s water level may drop by as much as 33 feet as a result, compromising its status as a world heritage site besides the depletion of fish stocks and water accessible for human use.

The burning of fossil fuel produces greenhouse gases which have a huge effect on the water cycle this is besides direct pollution that

results from the exploitation of these resources.

PolicyWater and energy are both multifaceted issues with many variables impacting their supply, demand, and management. Legislators and other stakeholders should consider the following variables which add complexity and underscore the importance of management of water and energy jointly.Growing population: As long as people increase in number they will need more energy and water to satisfy their daily needs.

Agriculture and manufacture: Water demands will increase as agricultural demands increase with the need to feed a growing population. Processing raw agricultural produce will require more water and energy in the form of fuel and electricity.

Geographical water demand: Geography plays a major part in the availability of both water and the opportunity of power production like dam construction. All Kenyan dams are constructed to exploit geography of the different locations they are found in.

Climate Change: The impacts of climate change will also impact water and energy supply and availably as Kenyans must be aware with hindsight of 1999-2000 and 2003- 2004. Global warming also touches on both energy and water and must be treated with much care.

ConclusionWater and energy are critical, mutually dependent resources. The production of energy requires large volumes of water and water infrastructure requires large amounts of energy.

As water and energy demand increase and they always will as long as the population grows, managing the two resources in tandem will help Kenya maintain reliable and sustainable supplies of both energy and water. There have been reforms some misguided and others timely.

The reforms in the water sector kicked off in 1986 following public outcry of deteriorating service provision not only caused by non functional infrastructure but also declining quantity and quality of water resources. The process culminated into the National Water Master Plan (NWMP) of 1992 which recommended that water policy should be changed such that water service provision is separated from water resources management.

Following this recommendation, a water policy was published in 1992 and a water act enacted in 2002. As a result the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) was created to manage the resource while regional water boards were charged with service provision.

On close scrutiny, one notices that water is closely intertwined with all aspects of life and the economy. Disjointed efforts and policies to handle water are doomed to only give rise to myopic pyrrhic results.

Water energy correlation promises a synergistic approach with more comprehensive results. All new policy and actions that touch on water must be drafted with this insight.


ICT

@iLabAfrica catalyzes Africa’s ICT capabilities

by Bernard Chiira

Bernard Chiira is the Digital Content Coordinator at @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University, serves as a publisher on the CIO East Africa Magazine on behalf of @iLabAfrica, teaches an assistant lecturer in Strathmore University Faculty of IT, and researchers at @iLabAfrica Research Centre. Mr. Chiira holds a MSc. in Mobile Telecommunication and Innovation and is a Google-Certified Digital Advertising Professional Trainer.

The landing of three undersea fiber optic cables in 2009 opened up Kenya’s digital landscape to the world and brought the nation many opportunities for internet based services and business. It also presented new challenges

such as cyber-crime and hacking. Having foreseen these changes and their impact on Kenya’s development, in 2011, Strathmore University established @iLabAfrica as a pioneering research and innovation centre which prepares youth, learning institutions, businesses, and public sector agencies for the emerging digital landscape.

Dr. Joseph Sevilla initiated @iLabAfrica after identifying a gap between Kenya’s youth’s technical skills and the needs of the nation’s growing ICT sector. This growth is especially strong in regard to mobile and internet penetration and presents a huge opportunity for Kenyan youth. Unfortunately, too many youth lack the skills they need to take advantage of these vital opportunities. Private sector collaborations, mobile app development, business incubation and numerous other projects all contribute to @iLabAfrica’s remarkable achievements.


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Immediately upon its founding in 2011, @iLabAfrica started forging partnerships with local and international companies which distinguish themselves as leaders in ICT innovation. One of the earliest and strongest collaborations is the partnership with Safaricom Ltd. Safaricom is the leading mobile telecommunications company in East Africa and is renowned for the innovative and life-changing money transfer service, M-Pesa.

The collaboration between @iLabAfrica and Safaricom has yielded two very successful programs which train bright graduates in mobile application development and entrepreneurship. The first of these programs is the Safaricom Academy which offers a unique Master’s degree in Mobile Telecommunication and Innovation. More than a hundred students have enrolled in the program since its inception and acquired the latest training for mobile application development such as next generation application development and development for big data. Safaricom offers scholarships worth more than 20 million Kenya shillings each year to deserving students in the Academy. The Academy is equipped with a classroom and an ultra-modern computer lab (thirty-one iMac computers and smart TV’s) which together create an excellent environment for learning and innovation. The Academy is expected to graduate more than fifty candidates in 2014.

The second @iLabAfrica-Safaricom partnership is a business incubator called @iBizAfrica. @iBizAfrica nurtures young entrepreneurs’ business ideas and helps them turn startups into full-fledged businesses. @iLabAfrica strongly believes in entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic development as well as a fundamental component to the reduction of unemployment and poverty. Part of @iLabAfrica’s mandate is to provide youth in enterprises with support structures which enable them to start businesses and grow them to maturity.

In line with this, @iBizAfrica provides office space, seed capital, mentorship and other business services to innovative startups in the country. The incubator also runs programs that expose its entrepreneurs to opportunities for growth and success. Such programs include competitions, symposiums and conferences. The incubator has the capacity to house 100 businesses with fully equipped office facilities and fast internet connection. With Safaricom, the incubator runs the annual App Wiz Competition where startups compete to bring full product offerings into market. @iBizAfrica is currently nurturing twenty startups and has already produced three fully fledged IT companies.

Another strong @iLabAfrica partnership is that with Samsung Electronics. This partnership champions the theme, “Built for Africa,” and has spawned a project which assists in the development of product concepts and mobile applications which especially provide value to Kenyans. Notable is the Kenya Law Reports App, a repository of Kenyan law and legal information. Another useful app is the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board App which supports drug-vigilance and locates pharmacies. One can download these applications from the Samsung App Store. In support of these and other innovations, Samsung Electronics has funded a fully equipped research computer lab at @iLabAfrica.

@iLabAfica also runs a Centre for IT Security which offers a Master’s degree in Information Security, Ethical Hacker Training and Certification, a short course on digital security, IT security research and professional IT consultancy services. This Centre assists companies, organizations and businesses secure their information system assets from increasingly intrusive and dangerous cyber threats.

With so many new information challenges, the demand for highly qualified digital marketing professionals is enormous. More businesses, huge corporations and organizations now want to reach their customers online. In order to bridge the gap between the existing digital advertising skills and demand for these skills, @iLabAfrica has partnered with Google, the world’s largest digital advertising firm, to train graduating university students and marketing professionals on Google’s cutting edge digital advertising tools and technology. The training is conducted by highly qualified Strathmore University Faculty trained in Ireland at Google’s Headquarters for Middle Europe, Middle East and Africa. The Faculty is in direct liaison with digital advertising experts in Google in Kenya and worldwide.

The eHealth Centre in @iLabAfrica pioneers projects and research to promote healthcare delivery and access in Kenya and throughout East Africa. Some of its notable projects and research:

1. The development of an Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response application, a web and mobile system for the


Department of Disease Surveillance and Response in the Kenyan Ministry of Health’s rapid data collection on diseases across the country.

2. The development of an Early Infant Diagnosis system for tracking HIV test data for infants at the facility level.

3. The development of a Monitoring and Evaluation System for Mother-2-Mothers South Africa which will track patients in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS Programme.

Our latest work in eHealth involves the development and implementation of a Mobile and Web-based Laboratory Information System (called BLISS) to support the operation of public health laboratories in Kenya. The project solves the problem of lack of evidenced-based clinical diagnostics in public hospitals by improving specimen and test results tracking. The pilot project in Bungoma and Kapsabet District hospitals in Kenya was a major success, and we are now looking forward to scaling up the project in other public hospitals in Kenya, as well as replicating the program elsewhere in Africa.

In addition to our health, information security and business development concerns, another priority area for Strathmore

University’s @iLabAfrica is the promotion of education through ICT. E-learning has emerged as one of our key focus areas due to its ability to scale the learning experience beyond the classroom. @iLabAfica has run several high impact e-learning projects. Some of these projects include Annual Teachers Conferences and Mobile Bootcamps. For three years now, @iLabAfria has trained teachers and school heads on e-learning and on teaching with technology. This training is expected to transform teaching and learning in our primary and secondary schools by incorporating e-learning tools and resources into teaching methodologies. @iLabAfrica has worked with Google, HP and Intel on training programs for teachers.

@iLabAfrica organizes a three-day bi-annual Mobile Boot Camp to introduce students and young professionals to the emerging mobile technologies. More than 1400 students and young developers across East Africa have already benefited from this activity. The Kenya ICT Board and companies such as Google, Microsoft, Ericsson and Safaricom have supported this mobile initiative.

In addition to e-learning services, @iLabAfrica runs a robust IT outsourcing division that provides services and software products in web development, digital publishing and mobile applications, technical writing, multimedia and flash development as well as software and web quality analysis testing. Under this division, we have worked with local and international companies to deliver many software products. These companies include Danu Technologies, Alkira LTD Australia, Kenya Pal Ltd. and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre. @iLabAfrica also provides consultancy services through the Strathmore Research and Consultancy Centre Limited (SRCC). SRCC has been in operation since 2003 and coordinates the consultancy work of @iLabAfrica Research Centre to ensure that clients receive high quality advisory services.

Through SRCC we offer services in the following lines of businesses: Information Technology, Computer and Information Security, General Management, Business Process Outsourcing, Corporate/Government Academics, Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation. Currently, @iLabAfrica is involved in a major project to rollout County Operations Management and Revenue Collection Systems in several counties across Kenya, beginning in Kiambu County. This work involves the deployment of “County Pro,” an award winning solution for automating operations/revenue collections. The application is an out-of-the-box solution for managing centralized/decentralized government processes and providing analytical and decision support systems at the county, sub county and ward level.

Over the last three years, @iLabAfrica has grown tremendously in terms programs, research projects, personnel and collaborations. In the future, we will widen our research, capacity building and business incubation footprint in Africa. @iLabAfrica partnerships continues to grow and include collaborations with IBM, HP, Intel, Oracle, Deloitte, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Association of Public Health Laboratories, Alkira LTD-Australia, Softlock, EC Council, The Idea Foundation, New Leaders of Africa Investment Group, CIO East Africa and the World Bank.» A lab set-up in Kenya ready for use.

ICT


On 7-9 May 2014, Diani, Kwale County in Kenya was the centre s tage of intense engineering

discourse on rural infrastructure development. The 21st Engineers International Conference was organized by the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) and was held at the Leisure Lodge Resort.

It was a forum for exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise between engineers and associated professionals from government, industry, academia, private practice, Research and innovation. The theme for the conference was “The Engineer and Rural Infrastructure” Prospective Authors from both Kenya and the rest of the world were invited to submit full length original papers of up to five pages of technical content.

This conference attracted the participation of the students, engineers and government officials. Kenya, in the pursuit of its Vision 2030, expects engineers to play a pivotal role especially in the upgrade of its rural infrastructure. The conference provided a perfect opportunity to come up with action points toward proper participation of engineers in the infrastructure projects in the counties.

IEK holds its 21st conference01

02

03

1. Engineers following a

session during the 21st

conference.

2. A group photo of attending

delegates.

3. Engineers pose for a picture

at the Leisure Lodge

IEK


Interview

Kenya Engineer chats with Prof. Patts Odira

He is a consultant and registered Engineer with Engineers Board of Kenya, Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and a member of International Association for Water Pollution Research and Control. His

major teaching and research areas at the under and post graduate levels include water resources management and administration, water resource engineering , irrigation, hydraulics, environmental health engineering involving unit operations for water and waste water treatment, solid waste management, industrial waste management and water and waste water engineering design.

He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1976 at the University of Nairobi. In 1981, he earned his master’s degree in Hydrology and Environmental Health Engineering. In 1985 he did his doctorate on Water and Wastewater Engineering and Construction Management.

Currently, he serves as the Node Coordinator for research in Flood Management under the Nile Basin Capacity Building Network for River Engineering, a network of the Nile Basin Initiative. He conducts research at the Friend/Nile Echohydrology Group. He has published widely on environment and water.

How has the University of Nairobi, generally, and, particularly, the School of Engineering contributed to the development of Kenya? What are some of the technological contributions UON has contributed to Kenya, and what is in the pipeline?

In the school of engineering, a number of engineers participated in the design elements and conceptualization of the University of Nairobi towers along Harry Thuku Road but were limited only to consultancy within or outside the University. Though currently the building is under construction by the Chinese, it has created an opportunity for students pursuing Civil Engineering to have a look at what happens practically underground on the site. They are also keen on offering fourth year students attachments to gain experience on how technology combines elements of construction. More projects are coming up in the University.

The institutions of higher learning contribute little in way of innovation and invention in Kenya, what would you say in response as an educator? What are your thoughts on efforts like the Nyayo pioneer car?

As an education institution, the University has created a number of innovations. Some staff from the department of mechanical

» Prof. Patts Odira responding to a question from Mercy Nduati of Kenya Engineer

by Mercy Nduati of Kenya Engineer

About Prof. Patts Odira


Interview

engineering did design the engine of the Kenyan Car. The university planned to brand the engine.

The industry has constantly complained about the quality and skill level of graduates. Are this complaints justified? So the syllabi meet the industry needs? What should be done to meet their needs ?

This is a wrong perception from the industry for that matter. The syllabus offered in the University meets the needs of the industry with regards to engineering and other courses. Those who have gone through the University of Nairobi compete around the world since this is a university of choice. Training here is adequate. We have some of the best known engineers coming through this university. Some have even been employed outside the country. For this reason, it is clear that the quality of our graduates meet the industry’s expectations without a doubt. Our Institutions prepare students not only on theoretical approach but the technical applications to attain hands on experience.

The industries complain but do they help? Have you partnerships that are beneficial to students?

The partnerships are forthcoming which benefit students. We are trying to establish more partnerships though the industry has been invaded by foreigners. There are commitments from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure which offer attachments to students. The industry helps students to carry out more research innovations in engineering and gain experience in the field of specialization. Engineering education in Kenya is static in the sense that the programs don’t change much with the times and the labs and workshops are old. What are your thoughts on this and do you feel you have enough in the form of facilities, labs and tutors to give the country quality graduates?

Engineering programs offered in Kenya accommodates all students to enable them land a good job in the industry. What should be emphasized on is designing the curricula in such a way that it goes hand-in-hand with emerging trends in technology. This will help students be prepared for employment. Ministry of Education will approve the instigation of courses on nuclear engineering and petroleum in institutions of higher learning towards the end of the year.

The government has not invested much on revamping the forms of our laboratories and facilities as they still look the same as they were in the yester years. For instance, the laboratories built long time ago by Americans, the American Wing, has little improvements. Hope is still beckoning at the end of the tunnel as recently the department of mechanical engineering received equipments to boost their learning unlike other departments of engineering. The gesture is however like a drop in the ocean. The government should reinvest in learning institutions so as to improve learning.

There are inadequate tutors to produce quality graduates. This is harming the University of Nairobi. This is attributed to the rising number of new institutions of higher learning across the country

leading to poaching of experienced lecturers and professors. The governments should offer funding to excelling students to avoid a scenario where an individual has to leave the country to pursue further education.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service for (KUCCPS) admitting students for higher learning has just increased the number of student admitted for regular programs and the module two students have also been increasing. What are your lecturer per student numbers? How do you handle your staffing challenges? The lecture halls and workshops have changed very minimally over the decades while students have more than doubled. Can you still handle the students?

The institution can only handle a limited number of students. The number of teaching staff is also not equal to the task. To counter this challenge, the government should come up with a proper human resource kit to offer training to the tutors resulting in a good workforce that the universities and colleges can utilize.The lecture halls are not of good status as they can only accommodate a limited number of students at a given time. There is need for expansion to accommodate the desired ratio of students to lecturers.

Let’s talk about policy. How will the Engineers Act 2011 impact the practice of engineering in Kenya? Tell us also about the bodies that arise from it like the construction oversight authority. Are these policies and bodies that touch on engineering any good for the profession?

This Act is good as far as I am concerned. The Engineering Act 2011 established under the Professional and Engineers Board of Kenya provides registration and licensing of engineers. It also serves in regulation and development of the practice of engineers.

Moreover, it regulates qualifications for engineers, the conducts of a professional engineer in corporate partnerships and accredits programs in engineering to fit the engineering industry.

To add, it is responsible for supervising, enforcing of laws on registered engineers, contractors and architects and ensures their certificates are legitimate. Its implementation is positively laid out as EBK and IEK take up the role of training to equip engineers with knowledge so as to practice engineering in the right way.

What are some of the progressive initiatives and changes that have taken place in engineering training at the university since inception? Mention some of the patents, doctorate projects and research from the school.

Introduction of courses on petroleum and nuclear engineering to keep students up to date are one of the major changes in the school of engineering. An E-learning program is being developed to ease learning in the institution. In terms of patents in engineering, it has been successful, as at now there are students creating robots or systems to ease communication. We ensure that their products get registered so that they are not tampered with by unscrupulous individuals.


Talk to us about the accreditation of engineering courses, registration of engineering graduates and practitioners in the country, the process, challenges and importance of it.

For one to pursue an engineering course at the University, he or she should score an “A” in the cluster subjects (mathematics, biology, chemistry and computer) then major in the field of interest.

Thereafter, to be registered with Engineers Board of Kenya, one needs to have developed their own projects either from attachments/internships or in school. This will later assist the individual to be called for an interview by Engineers Board of Kenya after three years. They should also have accompanying documents like recommendation letters or projects carried out under a registered engineer.

An act of parliament established Engineers Board of Kenya in accordance to Engineers Act 2011 section 3(1) to enforce laws with regards to engineering.

As the patron of engineering students association (ESA), what is ESA up to and what plans have you got to make it more vibrant and increase student involvement in leadership? Are Initiatives like the student engineer magazine are faltering?

The student engineer can be made vibrant by instilling a reading habit in the society. This will create awareness among student engineers that their improvised ideas can be unleashed and be implemented in one way or another. More research needs to be

done on what to feature on the student engineer to make ESA interesting.

The student engineers should also record their activities on the platform to ensure members and other engineering students are up to date with the current trends in engineering and technology.

What would you change if you had the power to and what is in the future of engineering education?

There should be a strong link with the University and the government in producing engineering products and the University should have an impact in producing graduates who meet the standards of the industry. The government, too, should have direct contact with students to boost engineering education.

Interview

» Geospatial Engineering students from University of Nairobi in a practical session.

Mercy Nduati is a seasoned interviewer. She conducts interviews for Kenya Engineer journal and Awesome, a documentary TV series on engineering. She interviews movers and shakers in the engineering industry.

To book an interview with her, send her an email on [email protected]


EAPIC: Powering East Africa for 16 years

Visit www.eapicforum.com to register now and save.

Build business partnerships in East Africa’s power sector and find solutions to upgrade your infrastructure.

3 – 4 September 2014Pre-conference workshops 2 September | Site visits 5 September

Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya

Silver sponsors

Platinum sponsor

Bronze sponsors Media partner

Host ministry


EAPIC: Powering East Africa for 16 years

Visit www.eapicforum.com to register now and save.

Build business partnerships in East Africa’s power sector and find solutions to upgrade your infrastructure.

3 – 4 September 2014Pre-conference workshops 2 September | Site visits 5 September

Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya

Silver sponsors

Platinum sponsor

Bronze sponsors Media partner

Host ministry

CHRIS FORDManaging Director,

Songas, Tanzania

You are speaking at EAPIC as MD of Songas in Tanzania but are part of Globeleq which has many power projects in Africa - how important is Songas in the Globeleq portfolio?

That’s correct. Whilst I am the MD of Songas and manage the business on a daily basis, I also am the Head of Asset Management for Globeleq, Songas Limited’s majority shareholder, and there fore respons ib le fo r the performance of their other African assets.

Globeleq invested in Songas in 2004 and therefore was involved during its construction phase and commercial operations in July 2004. Next month marks the 10th year as majority shareholder of Songas and we are really excited about celebrating with our team to mark all their hard work and dedication. Songas has therefore been an important and enduring part of Globeleq’s story and is a good demonstration of how we achieve world class standards at of our operating facilities.

How important is this project for the region?

Songas has been in operation for 10 years. Originally Songas’sUbungo power plant was supposed to provide shoulder load generation to support the baseload generation provided by the hydro power plants. Instead, Tanesco has continually dispatched Songas and it truly has become an essential baseload generator for the country.

Songas i s Tanzania ’s cheapes t thermal power plant and provides reliable and economical electricity to TANESCO at less than US$6c/kWh.

Songas has also been instrumental in helping grow Tanzania’s energy sector and by using the country’s own natural gas resources, it is estimated that the Songas facilities have saved Tanzania

more than US$3.0 billion by avoiding the high costs of importing liquid fuel.

Other opportunities in the region that you are excited about and can share?

These are excit ing t imes ahead for East Africa. The market has grown significantly over the last 10 years and local demand for natural gas continues to grow. We are particularly excited about opportunities for renewables and gas fired generation throughout east Africa.

On the thermal side there has been a number of very large gas finds that will hopefully help secure the energy needs of the region. On the renewable side these markets have excellent resources that are so far relatively untapped.

Globeleq is ideally placed to benefit from these with extensive experience with these types of technology, proven exper ience in deve lop ing pro jec t and a l a rge appe t i t e f o r g rowth .

Since 2012, the company:

• Has reached financial close on six projects;,

• Has completed construction of 238 MW of new generation;

• Is currently constructing a 139 MW expansion of an existing asset in May 2015; and

• Recently acquired majority interest in an addit ional 302 MW of generation.

What in your opinion are the main challenges to getting power projects in Africa off the ground?

In some countries there is a continued focus on developing government owned projects rather than prioritizing private sector led projects - It is essential for Governments to promote and grow the role of the private sector if sufficient capital is to be mobilized to meet the region’s needs.

We also think there is a need for governments to improve the way in which they negotiate with the private sector on large infrastructure projects. These projects are

often delivered under demanding timescales and can be very complex. It is therefore very important that countries focus on building capacity within their negotiating teams and getting good quality external advisors if projects are to be delivered successfully.

The good news is that we have seen many good examples of countries doing just that; for example both Kenya and South Africa now have excellent track records of concluding private power projects.

This is what makes us so excited to be in the sector at this important stage, looking ahead we see a real trajectory of growth for the private sector in energy.

You are managing to develop economically sustainable projects that generate power in emerging markets where energy is an expensive commodity – what is your secret?

Our great team and our hard earned experience.

Globeleq has been investing and developing generation for the emerging markets since 2002 which makes us one of the most experienced independent private power producer/developer in the sub-Saharan African region. Our professional team of developers has a strong track record in the development of solid, liquid and gas fired thermal plants and renewable power projects.

Our operating teams are very proud of their own achievements and focus on delivering world class performance at all of our assets. Globeleq is extremely focused on developing local talent and make sure all of our team members share in the success of our business.

What is your advice to prospective foreign investors in the energy industry?

It is important to build relationships with the decision makers, government and key industry participants. In addition, you need to have a strong local team.

Look for countries that demonstrate commitment to private power producers through a transparent procurement process which is backed by a coherent energy plan.

“These are exciting times for East Africa. The market has grown significantly over the last 10 years and local demand for natural gas continues to grow.”

Advertorial


f) To associate Consulting Engineers for the purpose of co-operation and mutual advantage and consultation.

ACEK holds its elections during their Annual General Meeting held once a year.Issues they are grappling with include but not limited to:

1. A lot of engineers practicing as consult ing engineers without necessary registration certificates.

2. Local content representation in engineering works.

3. Issues on Public Procurement and lobbying to ensuring 30% of works given to local consultants.

4. Training and mentoring young engineers

5. Representation in key decision making forums

ACEK recently held their annual general meeting in March 2014. The new council now has the following executive committee members:

• Chairman: Eng. James N. Mwangi (CEO of Kurrent Technologies ltd),

• Secretary: Eng. John Ndemi (CEO of Norken),

• Treasurer: Eng. Henry Ndugah (CEO Batch Associates).

ANNUAL GAMASeven members, including the council members of ACEK also attended the annual GAMA (Group of African Member Associations) annual conference held in Maputo, Mozambique in March 2014. During the conference, the GAMA general assembly meeting was held in which Eng. James N. Mwangi was elected to the executive committee (EXCOM) of GAMA and was subsequently elected as the secretary to the EXCOM. He becomes the first Kenyan to sit in the EXCOM.

donations.

ACEK VISIONTo be the body of reference representing business and professional interests of all consulting engineering firms in Kenya.

ACEK MISSIONTo promote and improve the business and professional interests of our members in the built and natural environment, and while so doing, accept and uphold or responsibilities to society and the environment.

The Objectives of the Association are;

a) To represent nationally the majority of firms providing ‘technology based intellectual services for the built environment’.

b) To assist members with issues relating to business practice.

c) To define and actively promote conformance to a code of ethics.

d) To enhance the image of consulting engineers as leaders and wealth creators in society.

e) To promote our commitment to environmental sustainability.

ACEK

The Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) was formed in 1968 with the aim of promoting the Advancement of the

Professionalism of Consulting Engineers by associating together for consultation and co-operation of those engineers whose work is of a purely consultative character. Their scope involves all engineering roles and providing facilities for Government, Public Bodies, and Associations. Representatives of Industry and Trade and others confer with consulting engineers as a body and ascertain their collective views. The Association receives complaints on their member firms and also acts as a public watch-dog on engineering matters.

The Association is a member of FIDIC, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, GAMA, the Group of African Member Associations of FIDIC and APSEA, the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa.

ACEK sus t a in s i t s ac t iv i t i e s f rom contributions of its members who pay in form of subscription, service charges and

ACEK

ACEKThe Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya

Eng. Henry NdugahTreasurer, ACEK

Eng. John NdemiHonorary Secretary, ACEK

Eng. James N. MwangiChariman, ACEK


GAMAGroup of African Member Associations (GAMA). It is a regional grouping and its objects are to:

• Represent the consulting engineering Industry in Africa

• Encourage regional co-operation between member associations

• Provide assistance to member associations wherever possible

• Provide assistance to member associations with a view to ensuring a more equitable allocation of work on the continent

• E n c o u ra g e m e a n i n g f u l a n d sustainable technology transfer and capacity building

• C o - o r d i n a t i o n o f t r a i n i n g programmes

• Encourage formation of local associations of consulting engineers where these do not exist.

• Promotion and enhancement of the status of the national associations of consulting engineers in Africa

• Encourage the attainment and maintenance of high standards of professional practice and ethics of member consulting engineers

• Making known the common opinions of member associations to such bodies as it is deemed from time to time to be necessary, and to make or support representation to government and other appropriate bodies on matter affecting the interests of member associations, or that are in the public interest.

• Encourage good relations and understanding between member associations their clients and the public

• Develop and maintain co-operation with other s imilar groupings of associations or with other professional associations and learned bodies.

ACEK

» GAMA Executive Committee including; Eng. James N. Mwangi (third from left)the newly-elected Secretary

» East African delegation to the GAMA conference held in Maputo, Mozambique.

» Kenyan Delegation to the GAMA conference at Maputo held in March 2014: From Left – Eng. Ndugah (Treasurer, ACEK), Eng. Mwangi (Chairman, ACEK), Eng. Wanyoike (Council Member, ACEK) Eng.Muchemi (Immediate past chairman, ACEK), Eng. Mambo (Past Chairman, ACEK), and Eng. Matu

(Council Member, ACEK)


Dubai - based Altaaqa Global CAT Rental Power, a global provider of temporary power solutions, has recently opened

a new branch in Johannesburg that will cater to several countries in Southern Africa, including the Republic of South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Altaaqa Global will bring its expertise, innovative technologies, industry-proven reliability and rapid deployment to the region, which is largely known for its thriving oil and gas, industrial manufacturing, and mineral and coal mining industries. Peter den Boogert, General Manager of Altaaqa Global, said that we would provide Southern Africa with the most advanced power plant packaged systems, remote monitoring, and fuel-efficient gas, diesel or dual-fuel-powered generators. “Altaaqa Global and its sister company in Saudi Arabia have a total combined fleet of 1,400 MW rental power plant generation readily available to serve the Southern African region.”

One of the flagship innovations that Altaaqa Global will offer, he added, was the flexible operational mode that can switch from island to grid mode in just seconds. Furthermore, Altaaqa Global’s energy rental dynamic package allows its power plants to hook directly to the grid without the need for a substation.

The global outlook for the rental power industry has been encouraging, and Steven Meyrick, Board Representative of Altaaqa Global, sees merit in capitalizing on it through strategic market and geographic expansion. “With this recent feat, we believe that we are on our way to fulfilling, even exceeding, the

highly ambitious objectives we set at the launch of our company in 2012.” Meyrick added that Altaaqa Global would continue to pursue multi-megawatt independent power projects (IPP) in various industries, in addition to heavily investing in human resources, process and business optimization, and product expansion. In line with its avowed corporate social responsibility programs that aim to alleviate the social needs of its immediate environs, Altaaqa Global will also continue to provide job opportunities, extend immediate assistance for school children, and conduct educational campaigns on energy conservation and environmental stewardship in Southern Africa. Meyrick continued, “One of the pillars of our sustainable business model is employing and training local professionals in areas where we operate, and we are excited to extend that commitment to Southern Africa.”

Majid Zahid, Strategic Accounts Director of Altaaqa Global, said, “Southern Africa has a promising economic outlook within the energy, engineering, production, oil and gas, and mining sectors, and we are delighted to open our new office in Africa to provide our wide range of highly innovative interim power plants. We are determined to serve various industries, such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining, electric power utilities, industrial manufacturing and maritime.”

Altaaqa Global has been aggressively making inroads into the African market with the opening of branch offices in several key locations in the continent. “We have also recently opened an office in East Africa,” said Den Boogert, “and have appointed a highly competent management team to oversee our

African operations.” He shared the information that Hendrick Mtemeri, a power distribution veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the power utility industry, has been appointed as the Regional Director for the entire Sub-Saharan region, and Paul Heyns, a power equipment engineering expert based in Pretoria, and Oduor Omolo, power generation professional based in Nairobi, have been appointed as Sales Managers for Southern Africa and East Africa, respectively. “Under their leadership, we will reinforce our presence in Africa and ensure that we stay close with our customers.”

The economy of Southern Africa is largely driven by the precious stone, mineral and coal mining industry. The Republic of South Africa, a leading economy in the Southern African region, is ranked as an upper-middle income economy by the World Bank, and is touted to be the largest African economy ahead of Nigeria. Though still reeling from the effects of its recent economic setbacks, the African Economic Outlook expects South Africa’s economy to moderately accelerate in 2014. Angola’s economy, after experiencing slow growth due to the recent oil and financial crises, is also predicted to be on the rebound, expected to grow by 7.8% in 2014. Furthermore, Mozambique’s economy is forecast to maintain its upward trend, predicted to grow by 8% in 2014. Agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, in addition to mineral and coal mining, significantly contribute to the countries’ GDP, as well as to their employment rates.

About Altaaqa GlobalAltaaqa Global, a subsidiary of Zahid Group, has been selected by Caterpillar Inc. to deliver multi-megawatt turnkey temporary power solutions worldwide. The company owns, mobilizes, installs, and operates efficient temporary independent power plants (IPP’s) at customer sites, focusing on the emerging markets of Sub-Sahara Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, South East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Offering power rental equipment that will operate with different types of fuel such as diesel, natural gas, or dual-fuel, Altaaqa Global is positioned to rapidly deploy and provide temporary power plant solutions, delivering electricity whenever and wherever it may be needed.http://www.altaaqaglobal.com/press-media/press-releases

Altaaqa Global Opens Southern Africa OfficeThe new Johannesburg office will serve as a hub for Altaaqa Global’s sales and operations in the Southern

African region.

Advertorial


Northern Water Services Board

ADVERTORIAL

The Northern Water Services Board covers an area of 244,860km2 which is about 43% of Kenya’s land mass with a population of about

3.4millions and approximately 22.8million livestock population. It covers almost all the arid and semi-arid areas of the country. The yearly precipitation varies from 300mm to 1000mm and temperature variation of 220 to 390C. The main economic activity is livestock raring. The main water and sanitation facilities are boreholes, water pans and a few surface supplies. Most of these schemes involve long hours of pumping resulting to frequent and expensive breakdowns of equipment. The Northern Water Services board covers Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu and Laikipia counties.

In urban areas most low-income households live in informal settlements where water service utilities do not provide direct service hence more than 60% of the population rely on kiosks, vendors, or natural sources. Similarly most poor urban and rural residents do not have access to conventional waste water/sanitation system and more than 85% of low-income households use pit latrines. This is the national sceriario,

which is far better than the situation in the seven counties in Northern Water Service Board Districts.

The water coverage in the Northern Water Service Board is the lowest in Kenya, and includes in most cases boreholes and pans. It is important to note that the water coverage has improved in both urban (74%) and rural(35%) areas covered by Northern Water Services Board due to above investments in water infrastructure.

The life styles of the rural people are nomadic in nature whose livelihood revolves around livestock keeping.

The towns having both conventionally treated water and sewage systems are very few, namely Garissa, Isiolo, Nanyuki, Nyahururu, while Mandera, Marsabit and other smaller towns have treated water and on site waste disposal system.

The waste disposal at the rural set up is worse with the majority of the households not having pit latrines. Whenever there is a prolonged rainy season, there is an outbreak of water borne diseases. This is an area that requires appropriate and urgent

intervention.

The water points are also far apart, an average distance of 50 Km and beyond from each other and the pans are heavily silted. For the security of food and water to be achieved, there is need to invest in an enhanced and quick delivery of services since water as a basic resource is scarce, and poorly distributed in time and space within this great region.

The main challenge is how to increase coverage of Water and Sanitation Services without destroying the fragile environment that continues to face degradation daily. For sustainability and reduced costs, it is prudent to harness alternative sources of energy like solar and wind for efficient water services delivery so as to secure water for food security.

The region continues to experience severe environmental problems; the most important one being land degradation, which poses a threat to sustainable food production. Destruction of indigenous trees for charcoal and cultivation contributes to a loss of biological resources and diversity, soil erosion, degrading of water catchment and disrupted river flows. The water shortages as well as floods in recent years are directly attributed to the loss of vegetation cover. At the Regional Level, Northern water Serv ices Board i s ves ted wi th the responsibility to co-ordinate the efficient and Economical Provision of Water and Sewerage Services; while, direct Provision of Water Services are to be undertaken by the Water Service Providers (WSP).

We have in the northern water services board managed to recruit seven water service providers in most of our major urban centers. However the provision of water services in the rural areas is still a major challenge. The issues of governance and sustainability require urgent and sustained attention if we are to secure our water for food security.

» NWSB staff retrieving a submersible pump for replacement using the JICA crane track.

KENYA ENGINEER - Juky/August 2014 55

ADVERTORIAL

In our efforts to increase the water coverage in the region we have various ongoing projects but the major ones are: Isiolo water and sanitation, Nyahururu water and sanitation both financed by ADB, Garissa sewerage financed by BADEA, Moyale water supply financed by Italian debt relief, Merti water supply, Rhamu both financed by the government of Kenya and the Host community water programme financed by the Japanese international corporation. There are various other smaller water projects being undertaken by the board and other development Partners.

The JICA funded projects under the Host Community jurisdiction covers (six) Districts which includes; Dadaab, Lagdera, Fafi, Garissa, Balalmbala, and Habaswein. In these Districts, the major prioritized projects included; construction of (5no.) water pans, drilling and equipping of (11no.) boreholes, construction of civil works and installation of electro-mechanical works.

Justification of Host Community Water and Sanitation Project under the JICA funded programme

1. Competition between the host community and the refugee population over the scarce natural resources – water being key resource and the source of the main problem has been addressed thereby reducing all water related conflicts within Dadaab district, Fafi district and Habaswein district.

2. The host community target area has been experiencing severe droughts that have seen most of the boreholes overused. Most of these boreholes aged resulting to low yielding hence necessitating drilling and equipping of replacement boreholes which shall positively address current water demands.

3. Frequent mechanical and electrical breakdowns of the host communities boreholes, due to over pumping to meet rising water demand. The prices of spare parts and other required equipments

have escalated beyond the means of the community. Hence operation and maintenance of the same is a challenge that needs to be addressed through a capacity building training to improve management.

4. The influx of refugees has prompted the Government to consider de-congesting the camps by proposing to construct an additional camp in Hagadera. The camp will entail more water development activities. Planning for new settlements and providing water to the communities is a great challenge.

5. The boreholes currently in use have slightly saline to high salinity water and there is need for water treatment to remove the salts accordingly.

We inv i te wel l wishers and More development partners to come to our region and assist in development of our water resources for us to attain food security in the region.

No. District No. of Projects Cost (Kshs) Populations Served Starting of project

End of project

Human Livestock

1 Garissa Hagarbul w/pan 8,745,190.00 1500 55,000 October 2010 October 2013

2 Garissa Maalim Mohamed w/pan 8,745,190.00 2000 65,000 Ditto Ditto

3 Lagdera Sabena w/pan 8,899,190.00 3000 50,000 Ditto Ditto

4 Dadaab Daadab borehole drilling, equipping, installayion of electro-mechanical workConstruction

8,745,190.00 2000 40,000 Ditto Ditto

5 Dadaab Construction of other civil works cum pipe reticulation networks

13,260,873.40 20,000 55,000 Ditto Ditto

6 Daadab Mathegesi borehole drilling, equipping, installation of electro-mechanical works.

Construction of other civil works, pipe installation and sanitation facilities as per design specifications

13,260,873.40 4500 60,000 Ditto Ditto

7 Dadaab Hamey Borehole 13,260,873.40 6500 50,000 Ditto Ditto

8 Dadaab Hamey Borehole 13,260,873.40 8000 70,000 Ditto Ditto

9 Fafi Fafi Borehole 13,260,873.40 12000 60,000 Ditto Ditto

10 Fafi Fafi Aiin B/H 13,260,873.40 2800 62,000 Ditto Ditto

11 Fafi Amuma B/H 13,260,873.40 4200 65,000 Ditto Ditto

12 Fafi Yumbis B/H 13,260,873.40 5800 58,000 Ditto Ditto

13 Habaswein Nambarah B/H 13,260,873.40 4500 50,000 Ditto Ditto

14 Habaswein Shidley B/H 13,260,873.40 4000 35,000 Ditto Ditto

15 Habaswein Dalsan B/H 13,260,873.40 6250 45,000 Ditto Ditto


Profiling ESA Chairlady,Cynthia Mukabana

Student Engineer

Would you briefly tell us who you are?

I’m a simple lady, passionate about engineering and how it impacts our way of life.

Education is a long demanding process. How did you make it to the level you are in?

Hard work, diligence and focus on the end game.

People are inspired by different things to pursue the careers they are in. What motivated you to do engineering?

I saw an opportunity in the industry. It is very vibrant and I am curious and passionate to add to that vibrancy. I chose to study Civil Engineering.

Ladies face different obstacles while striving for excellence. What are the greatest challenges you encounter while pursuing engineering?

Studying engineering is very demanding. The heavy workload and balancing studies with leadership is a challenge. The challenges I face while studying engineering are not gender specific. They are challenges faced by my male counterparts in equal measure.

Engineering has an integral role towards a country achieving its

development goals. What roles do you see engineering playing in the next 5 or 10 years towards attaining Vision 2030?

There’s no doubt that engineering drives the economy. We engineers barely make noise about it but for sure we are at the heart of Vision 2030. I see engineering at the centre of it all, improving the quality of life, transforming the systems in the country through innovation and technological advancements. The list can’t be exhausted and, knowing that, as ESA we visit high schools occasionally to encourage students to take up engineering courses because the country needs engineers.

Let’s talk about ESA. What are the vision, mission and objective of this association you now head?

ESA is a professional body in the school of engineering that brings together engineering students. The main objective of ESA is to promote academic welfare of its members as well as bridge the gap between industry players and students through partnerships with organizations in ways that benefit the University of Nairobi student populace.We envision an all rounded engineering student who has the confidence to use their academic knowledge, talents and skills to make a better Kenya through the platform we provide as an association

What are some of the roles you see yourself playing as ESA chairlady?

As the chair I am obliged to ensure the association is managed effectively and the objectives and visions are attained.

What changes will you bring among student engineers that will be different from your predecessors?

I envision a body that creates more opportunities for students to tap into their talents, passions, ideas and have a better understanding of the industry, how it works and what it demands of them as student engineers.

Tell us about you... what do you do during your ‘me’ time?

I like reading motivational books. They keep me going. Hiking-it improves my endurance. Mentoring younger people-it keeps me on track.

What is your advice and parting shot to the young people who are aspiring to be engineers and especially to the ladies?

Be wise, confident and aggressive, It’s a tough world but you have to gather all the courage to face it all. Many people rely on networks and connections to make it out there. That’s okay but remember people might fail you but your passion will never fail you.

Young people and especially engineers are indispensable in the realization of Vision 2030 and, therefore, hard work, diligence and broadening your knowledge beyond your curriculum is very

by Mercy Nduati of Kenya Engineer


Profile

Advertising Index

Altaaqa Global - 55

Apex Steel - 07

Atlas Copco - 28, 38

Bamburi Cement - Inside Front

(Right)

Computer - Inside BackTechnics

Crown Classics Ltd - 01

Davis and Shirtliff - 63

When contacting our advertisers, please tell them you saw their advertisement in Kenya Engineer.

EAPIC - 51

Kaeser Compressors- 37

Kens Metal Ind. - 42

Kenwest Cables - 23

LVNWSB - 21

Mining Business - 35

Multitrade Industrial- 57Supplies Ltd

Northern Water - 59

Services Board

Power Technics - Outside Back

Sanpac - 34

Secprotec E.A - 15

Trusstech Eng. Ltd - 45

Wartsila - Inside Front

(Left)

Worlds View - 35

Ayanna Yonemura, Ph.D. serves as Intercontinental Publishers Ltd.’s Communications Director. A two-time Fulbright scholar, previously she devoted her professional time to

university teaching, research and writing. She has taught writing at the university level.

Her writing has resulted in several publications and over ten papers presented at academic conferences. Ayanna holds a Ph.D. from the University of California Los Angeles where she also earned a M.A. in African Studies. The American Collegiate Schools of Planning short-listed her Ph.D. thesis for its national dissertation award. Ayanna graduated with an honors B.A. thesis from the University of California Santa Cruz.

In February 2014, Ayanna joined Intercontinental Publishers, Ltd. (IPL). Along with her communications roles, she serves as an Associate Editor for this magazine and is part of the IPL team working on “Awesome,” the TV documentary show about engineering. Ayanna moved to Kenya in 2012 where her first job was directing linkages and international programs for a public university.

Ayanna Yonemura, Ph.D joins Kenya Engineer


NAME POSITIONR K Kosgei ChairpersonM E Okonji 1st vice ChairM Shiribwa Hon SecretaryR K Chepkwony Hon TreasurerJ Riungu Retiring Past ChairpersonP Wambua Chairman - Western BranchJ Kioni Chairman - Central BranchC A Ogut MemberH S Amaje MemberR Kungu Member C G Juma Member G L Apiyo MemberE Mwangi Co-optedJ Mutulili Co-opted

FUNCTIONS & CONFERENCE COMMITTEEJ M Riungu ChairmanD M W Maina Retiring past ChairC Juma Vice ChairE K Mwongera (CBS) MemberH Amaje MemberJ Mutulili MemberE Mwangi MemberG L A Onyango MemberR Kosgei MemberM Okonji MemberR K Chepkwony Member TRAINING & CAPACITY BUILDINGJ M Riungu ChairpersonC Ogut Vice ChairP O Okaka MemberS Ouna MemberG Njorohio Member

DISCIPLINARY & DISPUTE RESOLUTIONW R Okubo ChairpersonE K Mwongera (CBS) MemberC. M Ndonga Member F W Ngokonyo Member A Rogo Member

WELFARE & DEVELOPMENTR K Kosgei ChairpersonA Kosgei MemberJ Riungu MemberD M W Maina MemberR Chepkwony Member

WOMEN ENGINEERS CHAPTERR W Kungu Chairperson J Mutulili Member G L A Onyango MemberC A Ogut MemberE C Ruto Member

YOUNG ENGINEERS CHAPTERC Juma ChairpersonG L A Onyango Chairperson

ADVOCACY, PUBLICITY & JOURNAL COMMITEEE Mwangi ChairpersonJ Mutulili Vice ChairG Nyangasi MemberF. W Ngokonyo MemberN. O Booker Member

INDUSTRIALIZATION AND DEVELOPMENTH S Amaje ChairpersonK W Makudiuh MemberO Jura MemberB Wamaya MemberG L A Onyango Member

MEMBERS OF IEK COMMITTEES

MEMBERS OF IEK COMMITTEES

IEK COUNCIL

* More changes on this list resulting from the last IEK elections to be made as soon as possible

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEEM E Okonji ChairpersonO Nyaguti MemberR Kungu MemberS Charagu MemberW Okubo Member

IEK

kenya engineer magazine july august 2014

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