Expo guests interacts with JKUAT’s novel architectural designs
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) exhibition stand was voted the overall 2nd Best by clients who interacted with University products that were showcased at the recently concluded Build and Interior Expo held at Sarit Center, Westlands.
The Expo, whose theme was: ‘A Market Place for Affordable Housing Technologies Interiors and Exteriors,’ was organized by Poise Business Development Consulting Limited and I Trade to provide a platform to key players in the field of construction to display their merchandise and innovations to prospective clients in a one stop shop model.
The three-day Expo which was held between August 27-29, 2021, brought together a total of 30 exhibitors drawn from different fields in the construction industry such as roof property developers, building materials manufacturers, interior décor solutions and financiers.
JKUAT was the only learning institution present at the Expo. The University’s exhibitors were drawn from the College of Engineering and Technology, JKUAT Enterprises (JKUATES) and JKUAT Industrial Park.
Amb. Maalim (left) interacts with Dr. Kagone during the Expo
Chairman of JKUAT Council, Ambassador (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, who attended the Expo, acknowledged the need to conduct regular Expos of similar kind in order to push university products from the shelves to the market.
He said the idea of conducting regular expos inside and outside the University has been informed by the high demand of University products derived from customer feedback.
“Maybe the next time we should book the whole venue exclusively for the JKUAT exhibitions in order to create more awareness of what the University is doing,” said Amb. Maalim
The Council Chair said the University is open to partnering with other organizations in order to reach countrywide prospective consumers of University products and services.
Amb. Maalim directed all JKUAT exhibitors to write insightful reports regarding the Expo to their respective Heads of Departments to aid in future planning of other Expos.
The Council Chair made his comments while interacting with Dr. Naomi Kagone, one of the key organizers of the Expo.
On her part, Dr. Kagone noted that the platform was for displaying innovative products in the building and constructions ecosystem that mirror the government’s affordable housing pillar of the ‘Big Four’ agenda.
Ms. Lydia Ehaba (left) of JKUAT Civil Engineering Department guides a client through engineering courses offered at the University
She challenged the University to have an outlet for the products which she acknowledged were in high demand.
Dr. Kagone noted that Universities play critical roles in the government’s ‘Big Four’ agenda through dissemination of research and innovations.
Stella Kanini, a member of the public who visited the JKUAT exhibition was impressed by the University’s architectural designs. “I appreciated the detail and thought and went into their work”.
The Principal, College of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, who coordinated the event said, JKUAT’s research and innovation will play a critical role in efforts to accomplish affordable housing in Kenya.