Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has roped in Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) in an independent review of seven (7) engineering programmes offered by the University.
The programmes that are being reviewed by the Board are; Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and Information Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Water & Environmental Management, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
Speaking during the exercise on Monday, February 20, 2023, Chairman, Engineers Board of Kenya, Eng. Erastus Mwongera commended JKUAT for taking the necessary steps to pursue recognition of all engineering programmes.
Eng. Mwongera reiterated the Boards commitment to gatekeep the engineering profession explaining that engineering is the oldest science and a noble profession that should be done with precision to ensure students meet their aspirations.
In its quest to ease the mobility of local professional engineers and build capacity in the country, Eng. Mwongera stated that EBK is working towards attaining Signatory Status at the Washington Accord.
“The Accord acknowledges recognition of engineering academic programmes as a key foundation for the practice of engineering at the professional level in each of the countries or territories covered by the Accord,” said Eng. Mwongera.
Upon attaining accreditation, Eng. Mwongera revealed that JKUAT will become a Center of Excellence and will be able to receive international students while also boosting the University’s research stature.
JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Victoria Wambui Ngumi, said the University is committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders and professional bodies in each discipline to ensure that their views on emerging trends and required standards are incorporated into the curriculums to ensure maximum thresholds are met.
In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, the Vice Chancellor expressed her confidence at training levels and University facilities.
“I am confident that the Engineers Board of Kenya will be able to interact with the professionals within JKUAT to confirm that we have achieved these standards,” said Prof. Ngumi.
Prof. Ngumi emphasized the University’s commitment to not only develop quality engineering programs but also encourage members of staff to register as professional and consulting engineers with EBK.
“Currently, JKUAT has over 35 registered professional and consulting engineers, with others at advanced stages of mentorship for registration as professional engineers. This affiliation with professional bodies has strengthened the standards of training and practice of our engineers,” said Prof. Ngumi.
On his part, the Chairperson of the Academic Qualifications Committee (AQC), Eng. Prof. Silvester Abuodha, noted that it is an international requirement that any engineering programme be evaluated for recognition by the competent authority in charge of engineering education within that particular jurisdiction.
He noted that key areas of focus are: programme design, programme curriculum content, staff establishment, training facilities and infrastructure; training duration; and quality assurance.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua who is an Engineer by profession, acknowledged the importance of the accreditation to the University saying it will enhance the University’s reputation at the global stage.
Prof. Ikua stated that Inter-disciplinary engagements with stake holders creates a synergistic partnership which will go a long way in addressing various gaps in the engineering profession.
Also present during the review process was Registrar of EBK, Eng. Margaret Ogai, who expounded on EBK mandates.
She added that the review exercise has been an insightful process which has clearly shown the growth and commitment of the University to its mandates.
Source: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology