The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with Egerton University across engineering education, research, innovation, and professional development.
During a courtesy call to the university, an IEK delegation led by its chairman met with the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance, and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa, to explore avenues for advancing industry-academia linkages amidst rapid technological shifts.
Addressing the leadership team, the IEK Chairman highlighted the need for professional bodies and higher education institutions to stay aligned with industry transformations.
“We are looking at the new things that are emerging because our emphasis is on new ideas and innovations. We want to first understand these developments, what they mean for the engineering profession, and how we can respond,” he noted. “A lot is happening in terms of technology, research, and innovation. As a Board, we have to keep pace with these changes and ensure our engineers are prepared for the future.”
Emphasising that universities remain vital engines for research, the chairman urged stronger ties to ensure academic outputs solve real-world problems.
“That is why engagements with universities such as Egerton are important,” he added. “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.”
Engineering conference in Kenya
As an immediate step, IEK extended an invitation to Egerton University to participate in its upcoming national engineering conference. The platform would allow the university to exhibit its engineering academic programs, ongoing research, and student innovations to a wider professional network.
Highlighting the importance of student recognition, the chairman noted: “There are awards that have been given to students, and I have consistently seen university students being recognised for their academic achievements and innovations. We want to sell and promote what our universities are doing—so people can see the quality of programs we have, the kind of students we are producing, and the innovations coming out of our institutions.”
Welcoming the initiative, Prof. Muthaa emphasised that Egerton University is committed to moving beyond formal agreements to deliver measurable results for learners and faculty.
“We are looking at how effectively these areas of collaboration can be executed,” Prof. Muthaa said. “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.”
The bilateral talks come at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s engineering sector on the international stage. Kenya is set to host the Africa Engineering Week and Conference next year, providing local universities a continental platform to present their capabilities. Concurrently, former IEK President Eng. Erick Ohaga has assumed leadership as President-Elect of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO).
Both parties noted that the meeting underscores a shared vision: bridging the gap between classroom instruction, academic research, and industry practice to equip future engineers for evolving technological and societal demands.
