
Principal COETEC Prof. Bernard Ikua(Front-3rd From Right), Engineering Workshops Manager Dr. Peter Kihato(Front-2nd From Right), Africa-ai-JAPAN Project Chief Advisor Prof. Manabu Tsunoda(Back-3rd From Left), members of the Technical team from Japan, Technologist at iPIC and students from Japan among others who were part of the program pose for a group photo
The comprehensive training program was developed after a thorough needs assessment carried out by Prof. Bernard Ikua the Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology at JKUAT in consultation with Engineering Workshop’s Manager Dr. Peter Kihato and his team comprising of Mr. Daniel Omondi, Mr. Ben Maniafu and Mr. David Nderi on one hand, and Professors Takao Koide and Masashi Miura and a team of three technologists – Mr. Daiju Taketoshi, Mr. Ryuuji Kawabe, and Mr Kenichi Sakamoto – from Tottori University Japan. The training needs assessment identified gaps in specific skills required for effective maintenance and operation of existing and new equipment in the department in order to enhance student training, research, and innovation.

A brainstorming session by students from Japan and JKUAT Mechatronics students at iPIC Brainstorming Room
Those trained included members from Engineering Workshops – Mr. Ben Maniafu and Mr. Robert Kinyua from the Innovation and Production section, and Mr. Jared Ombui and Mr. Ellie Ogutu from Machine shop – and Mr. Boniface Kariuki from Mechatronic Engineering department. Selected students from JKUAT included Mr. Derrick Omondi, a first year student from Mechatronic Engineering Department; Mr. Protus Odie, Ms. Linda Wangui, Mr. James Ludenyo, and Mr. George Ngure all fourth year Mechatronic Engineering Students; and Mr. Walton Twele, a fifty year Mechatronic Engineering Student; while two students – Ms. Ayumi Nanjou and Mr. Kento Nishimura – joined the training from Japan. The students benefited from the training I terms of project planning and implementation, interaction with foreign students in achieving set objectives, and experience in handling and operation of new equipment installed at the iPIC building.

Principal COETEC Prof. Bernard Ikua addressing the team that was involved in the Training during the closing ceremony which he also closed officially