TUM's Engineering Students Association hosted Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) for a whole day sensitization conference on professional and industry issues.
The event that took place at TUM on Wednesday of March, 19, 2025, was led by engineering students Chairperson Clinton Mokaya and Patron Elvis Makonde.
The event aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the engineering education, training, and practice value chain.
The session gave the students a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand insights from the regulatory body.
The EBK officials addressed issues of professional standards, ethical practices, and established pathways to becoming registered engineers.
The students engaged the EBK officials in robust discussion on accreditation requirements, industry expectations, and the importance of continuous professional development.
A key highlight of the session was the presentation by Eng. Grace Onyango, a consulting engineer and Director of Capacity Building & Accreditation at the EBK.
Eng. Onyango provided a comprehensive overview of the EBK's mandate and strategic intent, going beyond the basic regulatory functions.
She detailed the EBK's commitment to not only regulating engineering education, training, and practice, but also its ambitious plan to establish the Kenya School of Engineering (KSE).
The KSE initiative aims to provide advanced training and development opportunities for engineers, enhancing their skills and contributing to the nation's infrastructure development.
Eng. Onyango also emphasized the EBK's ongoing efforts to achieve accession to the prestigious Washington Accord.
She pointed out that the Washington Accord places a high value on practical education, recognizing its importance in preparing engineers for the demands of the profession.
"Accession to this accord is a critical strategic goal for the EBK, as it will enable Kenyan engineers to move globally with greater ease and recognition, particularly because of the accord's emphasis on practical skills."
Another Engineer, Mr David Jomeli, a Civil Structural Engineer and TUM alumnus, pledged support to graduating engineers, emphasizing the need for discipline and proper experience acquisition for professional registration.
He cautioned against mad rush to quick wealth, urging students to prioritize ethical practice and focus on becoming solution providers rather than solely pursuing the "Engineer" title.
"This field demands unwavering discipline," Eng. Jomeli stated. "Avoid the temptation to seek quick riches. Instead, focus on following the right channels, gaining the necessary experience, and everything will fall into place.
"Remember, being an engineer is about more than just a title. Strive to be a solution provider, a problem solver, and make a tangible difference in society," he advised.
Eng. Joseph Kuta, Chairman of Building and Civil Engineering appreciated EBK for their support and encouraged students to actively seek clarity on EBK's role and registration processes.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of TUM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Laila Abubakar. In her address, Professor Abubakar expressed her gratitude to the EBK officials for their commitment to engaging with the students.
The VC lauded the strong collaborative relationship between TUM and the EBK, acknowledging the board's unwavering support during and after the accreditation of TUM's engineering programmes.
She noted that the presence of the EBK underscores the excellent collaboration between our institutions.
Prof Laila also highlighted the significant support TUM has received from the Ministry of Education and the African Development Bank. She announced the approval of a Kshs1.2 billion project aimed at establishing two centres of excellence: a Centre of Excellence for Maritime Studies and a Centre of Excellence for Civil Engineering.
This substantial investment will further enhance TUM's capacity to provide cutting-edge engineering education and research, she said.
Prof Laila Abubakar said the training principle by TUM which emphasizes on practical approach aligns with industry standards and significantly improves graduate employability, mirroring the values of the Washington Accord.
"At TUM, we believe in equipping our students with the practical skills needed to excel in the industry," she stated.
The VC urged the engineering students to treat their final year projects and attachments with utmost seriousness. She stressed that the experiences offer invaluable opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, providing optimal exposure to the practical aspects of their respective fields.
The conference served as a crucial bridge between students and the regulatory body, fostering a deeper understanding of the engineering profession and the EBK's forward-thinking initiatives, especially concerning the Washington Accord's focus on practical education and the importance of ethical practice.
The engagement reinforces the collaborative relationship between TUM and EBK, a partnership that will continue to benefit future generations of engineers.
