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By Kurian Musa
NJORO, KENYA| 21/09/2026
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with Egerton University in engineering education, research, innovation and professional development.
The IEK delegation made the remarks during a courtesy call to the University, where it was received by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa.
Egerton University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa, presents a gift to the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) delegation during its courtesy visit to the University.
The IEK delegation made the remarks during a courtesy call to the University, where it was received by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa.
The discussions focused on emerging developments in engineering and opportunities for the two institutions to work together in promoting new ideas, research and innovations.
The IEK Chairman said the Institution was particularly interested in emerging technologies and ideas that are shaping the engineering profession.
“We are looking at the new things that are emerging because our emphasis is on the new ideas and innovations that are coming up. We want to first understand these developments, what they mean for the engineering profession and how we can respond to them,” he said.
He said the rapid pace of technological change required professional bodies and universities to remain responsive to new developments and prepare engineers for future challenges.
“There is a lot happening in terms of technology, research and innovation. As a Board, we have to keep pace with these changes and ensure that our engineers are prepared for the future,” he said.
Egerton University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa, plants a tree during the IEK delegation’s visit, symbolising the shared commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
He said universities remained important sources of research and innovation and that stronger engagement with professional institutions could help translate academic work into practical solutions.
“That is why engagements with universities such as Egerton are important. We want to see how research and innovation can be translated into practical solutions and how we can support the development of new ideas that address the challenges facing our country,” he said.
The Chairman also invited Egerton University to participate in the forthcoming engineering conference through an exhibition showcasing its engineering programmes, research and innovations.
“We also have a conference coming up, and we would like to partner with Egerton University. We want the University to participate in the conference through an exhibition showcasing its engineering programmes, research and innovations,” he said.
He said the exhibition would give Egerton an opportunity to demonstrate its contribution to engineering education and research while exposing its programmes and innovations to a wider professional audience.
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Chairman plants a tree at Egerton University, flanked by University management led by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa, and members of the IEK delegation.
The Chairman also pointed to the recognition of university students through academic and innovation awards as an important opportunity to promote excellence.
“There are awards that have been given to students, and I have consistently seen university students being recognised for their academic achievements and innovations. These are some of the things we want to highlight,” he said.
“We want to sell and promote what our universities are doing. We want people to see the quality of programmes we have, the kind of students we are producing and the innovations that are coming out of our institutions.”
He encouraged Egerton to use such platforms to showcase its engineering programmes, student achievements and research.
Prof. Muthaa welcomed the proposed collaboration, saying the University was keen to ensure that the partnership translates into practical activities and tangible outcomes.
He said the engagement should go beyond establishing a partnership framework to ensuring that agreed activities are implemented effectively.
“We are looking at how effectively these areas of collaboration can be executed. It is not just about having the partnership, but about making sure that the agreed activities are implemented and that they benefit our students, our researchers and the engineering profession,” Prof. Muthaa said.
He welcomed the proposal for Egerton to showcase its engineering programmes and innovations at the conference, saying such platforms could strengthen the University’s engagement with the professional engineering community.
Egerton University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa, walks with members of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) delegation during their visit to the University.
The meeting also highlighted Kenya’s growing role in continental engineering affairs. It was announced that Kenya will host the Africa Engineering Week and Conference next year, providing an opportunity for Kenyan institutions to showcase engineering education, research and innovation to a continental audience.
The announcement comes as Kenyan engineer Eng. Erick Ohaga, a former President of IEK, takes up a leadership role in the continental engineering fraternity as President-Elect of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO).
The developments provide an opportunity for Egerton University to deepen its engagement with professional engineering organisations while increasing the visibility of its programmes, research, innovations and student achievements.
The discussions underscored the importance of linking engineering education, professional practice, research and innovation in preparing graduates to respond to emerging technological and societal challenges.