The APS equiped boat

Staff and students at the ceremony

This was disclosed at a brief ceremony held at the university presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Kahangi on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and attended by staff and students from the College of Engineering and Technology.

The ceremony was held at the Department of Biomechanical & Environmental Engineering (BEED) grounds. The DVC acknowledged the crucial role the equipment will play in addressing current problems in the water and energy sectors due to sedimentation. She challenged the JKUAT researchers to move with speed and forge collaborations with stakeholders in these sectors so as to ensure full utilization of the equipment and quick uptake of research findings.

In her remarks, the Director, Water Resources Research Center, Prof. Mati, acknowledged that the Center was ready to support the project and that the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company Ltd, had agreed to partner with the team of scientists in this study.

The equipment is comprised of multi-frequency acoustic profiling system (APS) which can be used to estimate reservoir water storage capacity and long-term average annual sedimentation rates. This method has been tested with satisfactory results in previous studies.

The aquired jet

Dr. Daniel Moriasi and other scientists from USDA-ARS have utilized long-term annual average reservoir sedimentation rates as a surrogate for measured continuous long-term sediment data to calibrate the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model with satisfactory results. From their study, they concluded that APS method is a potential cost-effective method to obtain sedimentation rates data to improve water quality simulations in ungauged watersheds. A well calibrated model can improve the utility for assessing management and policy alternatives for government ministries, municipalities and NGOs.

A pilot project which will apply this method is scheduled to be carried out at the Ruiru Reservoir and its watershed, by consortium of scientists from USA and JKUAT. The objective of the pilot study is to conduct proof of the concept study, which utilizes the APS and SWAT to assess the current reservoir sedimentation status. The modeling effort will also determine the conservation practices that will minimize watershed erosion hence reservoir sedimentation. The long-term goal of these collaborative efforts will be to establish a regional or continental center for watershed and reservoir assessment to train and build capacity on the use these technologies.

The JKUAT research team will be led by Prof. John Gathenya and Mr. Joseph Sang, both staff members at BEED. Mr. Sang explained that the equipment, which is a rare technological solution in this part of the world, could play a very critical role in the country’s development because the survey system is able to assess the sedimentation rate and provide information on the current status of the reservoir and erosion upstream. “Rate of sediment load in most reservoirs is seldom monitored in the country and this survey methodology could be an alternative source of such information,” Mr. Sang observed.

This latest collaborative initiative is another milestone at JKUAT endeavor to be a University of global excellence in Training, Research and Innovation for development. The Chairman of the Department of Biomechanical and Environmental Engineering thanked the JKUAT university management, USAID, and USDA-ARS for their support in acquiring the equipment. He acknowledged efforts by Dr. Daniel Moriasi, a USDA-ARS research hydrologist, for his support to the pilot project.

• MSc. Environmental Engineering and Management
• MSc. Soil and Water Engineering
• MSc. Agricultural Processing Engineering
• MSc. Biomechanical Engineering
• MSc. Biosystems structural Engineering

Graduates of the Postgraduate programmes will make a big contribution in the realization of Vision 2030. With the current expansion of Universities, graduates will be able to take up teaching and research positions, among others.

The department notes that the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) has been sponsoring the research projects for the postgraduate students every year. This has enabled postgraduate students complete their research projects and contribute towards research.

Students admitted under the current intake will start classes in May 2013. Currently The Masters  Courses are offered on full time basis at Juja Main Campus. The department is willing to offer the courses on a flexible mode e.g in Nairobi campus, but this is subject to attaining the minimum class size of ten students.

Students should also note that the 2012/2013 Special and Supplementary exams will commence on the 11th to 15th March 2013.

Increasing world population usually demands for increased and efficient agricultural production. Efficient agricultural production and processing requires energy, machinery and structures of various categories.  Agricultural production causes environmental degradation when cultivation is done on marginal lands, hill slopes, riverbanks, forests and water catchment areas.  Human settlement introduces problem of waste management. In the attempt to sustain human population, industries have been developed.  As a result, air pollution problems have been created.  Chemicals used in the agricultural industry have significant impact on water quality.  Kenya, like most developing countries, is already experiencing serious environmental pollution in its exploitation of soil and water resources, especially in urban and rural settlements exemplifying the ready market of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers. There is thus need to develop sufficient human capacity to exploit the natural resources and at the same time be capable of handling the concomitant pollution problems from a technological point of view. There is therefore need to produce engineers for the agricultural and biological sector but with a better focus (i.e. more specialized) in bio-production systems, agricultural mechanization, agricultural processing, agricultural structures engineering and soil, water and environment engineering.

Rationale for Name Change and the Review Process

The agricultural engineering profession is over a century old having started in Iowa State University in 1905. In Kenya, agricultural engineering was introduced as a degree programme at the University of Nairobi in the 70s’ and in the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 1981 as a diploma then 1990 as a degree.  Over the years, agricultural engineering has been evolving from the traditional design and development of agricultural machinery, to a knowledge-based engineering that integrates engineering knowledge and design with applied biology, environmental and agricultural sciences. The broad areas of study in this profession include: agricultural processing, farm power and machinery, energy resources, soil and water engineering, environmental management and bio-structures. This profession now includes new areas such as controlled environment agriculture, robotics, the development of technology for the extraction of energy from biomass, the development of biomaterials and new systems that can promote sustainable food production.

Currently universities in the world are offering a variety of programmes related to agricultural engineering. Such programs include Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Food Bioprocess Engineering and Bioresources Engineering. Like other universities worldwide, JKUAT has been reviewing its programme in response to technological and market driven developments in the field of agricultural engineering, to benchmark programmes with other universities in the world, and to ensure that graduates can apply modern technologies in agriculture thereby ensuring the realization of Vision 2030 (and beyond), food security and sustainable economic growth beyond this century. The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering incorporates units that address sustainable exploitation of our natural resources in agricultural and industrial development. After five years training, the programme aims at producing specialized Engineers combining biological and technical skills to address issues in agro-industrial development and the consequent environmental problems. The programme is fully accredited and approved by the Engineers Registration Board.

Programme Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering programme offered at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology aims to produce Engineers with necessary knowledge and skills for sustainable utilization of natural resources, optimal design and management of bio-production & processing systems, and harnessing and management of energy systems.

The specific objective of the programme is to produce engineers who will fulfill the requirements of potential employers in various engineering fields and in particular bio-processing systems design, design and development of farm machinery, energy resources management, design and production of bio-processing machines and structures, waste management, irrigation and drainage engineering, soil and water conservation and environmental management.

Entry Requirements

1. A candidate wishing to be admitted into the B.Sc. degree programme in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering must satisfy the minimum University entry requirements and College of Engineering and Technology  (COETEC) regulations.
2. In addition to the above, the candidate must have obtained a minimum grade C+ (plus) in each of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology or Geography OR C+ (plus) in each of the following subjects: Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, and Geography or any of the Group IV subjects at K.C.S.E. or its equivalent.
3. Alternatively, admission shall be granted to holders of Diploma in Agricultural or Mechanical Engineering or any other relevant course (with Credit and above) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology or from other institutions recognized by the University Senate. Such candidates shall enter the programme at the second year of study unless otherwise specified by the Department.

Dr. Claudia Baldiw

Staff and students Listening to the presentation

Prior to joining academia in 2006, Claudia worked for over 25 years in environmental policy and planning in government. Claudia specializes in action research using participatory and visual methods related to institutional and social-environmental change and is particularly interested in water and coastal planning and management.

During the presentation, Dr. Claudia identified similar challenges facing Kenya and Australia in the water sector. This included increasing competition for water and uncertainty in a changing  climate. Water Allocation has to be done in a manner that achieves economic efficiency, social equity and environmental sustainability. Water Planning Tools assist communities and governments as they address challenges in water planning.

Mr. Lovekin is the fields operation manager of GeothermEx Incoporated (A Schlumberger Company). He has been actively involved in geothermal reservoir engineering and field management since 1985. His specialties include; Planning and execution of geothermal well tests, Assessment of geothermal reserves and sustainable reservoir capacity, Design and supervision of well workovers, Forecasting reservoir performance and estimating make-up drilling requirements among other.

Mr.Lovekin making a presentation

The public lecture was held on the 26^th November 2012. The Topic presented was “ Overview of Geothermal Well Testing and Numerical Modeling” . Evaluation and forecasting field performance of geothermal wells were discussed during the lecture.

JKUAT has encouraged research in the geothermal sector and has seen the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Geothermal Development Company (GDC). Under the partnership, JKUAT and GDC have agreed to enhance the capacity of staff and students in both institutions through training, interactions, exchange of experience and relevant information.

These hence ensures that the department  offers its students accredited programmes. The Chairman will  be giving  details on specific questions ones logistics are finalized and  more details will be provided soon.

BEED staff with John Deere team during a brainstorming session

The managers were welcomed to the university and  toured areas that were relevant to their work. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (RPE) appreciated that a representative company from the Industry had shown interest in working with JKUAT.



An overview of the John Deere Company was presented by Mr. Ricardo Salazar. He gave examples of the company’s products and their aspirations for the future. The John Deere Company is mainly in the business of manufacturing of large, medium and small scale machines and implements to suit the needs of all farmers and crops. They also provide spare parts, after-sales services and maintenance. They reported that the move of populations from the rural to urban centres was the driving force behind the company’s need to manufacture a wider variety of machines since there were fewer people available to work on the farms and grow food for the growing population

John Deere team suggested the following as possible areas of collaboration:
1.    Placement and internships for JKUAT undergraduates and graduates
2.    Establishment of a training school or centre in the University
3.    University to assist the company in expanding their presence in the country
4.    In the area of research, company to assist by funding some research projects

BEED staff and the John Deere team group photograph

Possibility of collaborating in manufacturing of simple machines and spare parts in-country were suggested  during the discussions that would hopefully make the equipment cheaper and more affordable to the small scale farmers.

The  research component was identified as move in the right direction where its findings would be disseminated to the public. Areas that require research attention are those that present major challenges to our small scale farmers such as: Marketing,   Postharvest losses (storage facilities), Yield per acre, Renewable energy,Pollution control, Land fragmentation  and its effects on food production.

Their visit was honored by having the managers plant trees at the department of BEED.

John Deere team leader planting a commemoration tree assisted by the Chairman, BEED

Mr. Rono giving a power point presentation to Moi Girls High School students

Many students do not have full knowledge of courses they are selecting before joining the universities. The BEED team was able to give various presentations on engineering courses and others being offered within the entire university.



Kabsabet boys High school students listening on a presentation

This sensitization aims at  making students aware of what opportunities are available for them , especially in JKUAT.  With the current employments rates being limited, innovation is one key aspect necessary for graduates, as well as venturing  into self employment, and students are encouraged to be more innovative.

Mr.Mulamu giving a presentation at Bura Girls’ High school students.

Mr. Daniel Maanzo (Commerce Secretary),Mr. L.O. Mulamu & Dr. D. Busiega during theworkshop.

Emphasizing  on the importance of technical subjects teachers in  schools was Mr. Daniel Maanzo the Commerce Secretary, Mr. L. O. Mulamu, and Dr. D. Busiega, both from JKUAT, who were in attendance. It was made clear that the country’s Vision 2030 might become a pipe dream if the policy makers continued handling technical subjects with lack of urgency. Technical subjects prepare students on how to become innovators at an early stage.No country can develop without embracing the teaching of technical subjects.

Technical subject teachers attending the workshop

It was also expressed there is  need for teachers to link up with the JKUAT and other universities to be able to learn more in areas of technical subjects.