A team of international assessors are at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to carry out evaluation of its engineering programmes, for global recognition. The two-day exercise commenced on Monday January 20, 2024 at the main campus, Juja. The University has submitted two programmes namely: BSc Civil Engineering and BSc Mechanical Engineering for recognition under the Washington Accord. The Accord is an international accreditation agreement for engineering training, among the signatory countries.
The Engineering Accreditation Committee (EAC), body responsible for quality and standards of engineering education in Kenya, is leading the exercise. EAC is a committee of the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), with the mandate to accredit engineering programmes offered both locally and internationally.
The exercise will see evaluators look into key issues touching on effective training of engineers such as adequacy of teaching facilities, quality of the faculty, course materials, students work, and quality assurance framework. Other aspects to be evaluated include feedback from alumni and industry partners.
EAC Chairperson, Eng. (Prof) Silvester Abuodha who led the delegation to JKUAT, noted that Washington Accord accreditation would lead to recognition of JKUAT graduates worldwide. He lauded the University for self-initiating the process of gaining the international accreditation, adding that it will significantly boost the quality of engineering teaching and research at JKUAT and in Kenya.
Prof. Abuodha further said the accreditation would also allow JKUAT staff and students to enjoy global consulting opportunities besides being a magnet for international students.
While receiving the team to JKUAT, acting Vice Chancellor, Eng.(Prof) Benard Ikua thanked EBK for consistent support in
JKUAT’s bid to gain international recognition under Washington Accord. The Board earlier undertook a mock assessment of JKUAT’s programmes in line with requirements of the Accord.
With a stable of locally recognized engineering programmes under EBK, Prof. Ikua expressed confidence that JKUAT has effectively prepared for the global accreditation.
“Besides hoisting graduate mobility, we believe that Washington Accord compliance will lead to three other key benefits namely: increased attractiveness of our programs; enhanced international students’ enrolment; and early implementation of outcome based education,” Prof. Ikua said.
Head of EAC Secretariat, Eng. Grace Onyango noted that since Washington Accord harmonizes standards for engineering across the world, the recognition would promote mobility of JKUAT graduates among signatory countries.
The decision to gun for international accreditation aligns with JKUAT’s vision to be university of global excellence in training, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
JKUAT currently runs the largest engineering school in Kenya and has become a key player in the implementation of key government infrastructure projects.
