The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Engineering Student Association (ESA) recently hosted a successful mentorship and farewell ceremony on Saturday, 30th November. The event, held at the boardroom medical block, brought together esteemed industry professionals, academic leaders, and aspiring engineers.
The mentorship program, spearheaded by Clinton Mokaya, a Civil Engineering student at TUM and the Chairman of ESA TUM, in collaboration with the Association of Consulting Engineers Future Leaders (ACEK FL), featured a diverse lineup of speakers from industry giants like ACEK, IEK, NITA, Bamburi Cement, and the Mombasa County Public Works department. Experts including Engineers Jovan Chiro, Latoya Ouna, Samson Munyao, Beatrice Emukhule, Cynthia Kafwa, Joel Mwanyiru, Hassan Mwandaro, Dorcas (also a Lecturer at TUM), Arowo, and Isaac delved into crucial topics such as contract management, project lifecycle, relocation and resettlement, tendering processes, and site supervision.
Beyond technical skills, the event also focused on essential life skills. Speakers provided invaluable advice on navigating academic challenges, professional internships, and the job market.
The ceremony honored the outstanding contributions of ESA's finalists, recognizing their dedication and achievements. The finalists were presented with certificates of recognition by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Leila Abubakar.
A special tribute was paid to the outgoing patron, Mr. Samson Soshyo, for his instrumental role in revitalizing ESA and fostering a vibrant engineering community at TUM. In a heartfelt gesture, Prof. Abubakar presented a custom-made monument to Mr. Soshyo as a token of appreciation.
Prof. Abubakar also emphasized the importance of networking, stating, "Your network is your networth." She encouraged students to build strong relationships with their peers, mentors, and industry professionals, as these connections would prove invaluable throughout their careers.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, a photo session, and a vote of thanks. The occasion was filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and a shared commitment to engineering excellence.
This mentorship and farewell ceremony was a resounding success, empowering TUM engineering students with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
