JKUAT Receives Lab Equipment to Advance Training in Power Electronics – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Part of the equipment donated by IEEE to JKUAT.*

JKUAT’s College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC) has received three Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) PELS University Lab Kits from the University of Illinois through an academic collaboration supported by the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS).

The IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) is one of the technical societies under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It not only brings together researchers and engineers but also educators worldwide to advance knowledge and innovation in the development and application of power electronics an essential technology in modern energy systems, renewable energy and industrial automation.

The partnership, realized through the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE), will enhance teaching, laboratory experiments, and research in the field of power electronics.

Each kit comprises a power board, Arduino, Eco-worthy solar panels, and other instruments. The equipment is expected to play a key role in strengthening hands-on technical training, enabling students to acquire practical skills and deeper knowledge in power electronics.

From (left-Right) Acting, Principal, COETEC, Prof. Stanley Kamau, Chair Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Dr. Mercy Kiio, and Dr. Irene Muisyo, Chair, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE)examine the equipment donated to the College.

Receiving the equipment on September 2, 2025, Acting Principal, College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), Prof. Stanley Kamau, said the donation will greatly strengthen hands-on training for students while enhancing research capacity in the critical field of power electronics.

“This equipment will be an important boost to our teaching, research, and innovation capacity. With these lab kits, our students will not only learn the theoretical foundations of power electronics but also acquire hands-on skills that prepare them to address real-world challenges in renewable energy, sustainable power systems, and industrial automation,” said Prof. Kamau.

Prof. Kamau also thanked IEEE for the equipment, lauding the importance of collaboration and noting “it demonstrates the value of global partnerships in advancing engineering education”.

The Chair of the ECE Department, Dr. Irene Muisyo, emphasized that the equipment will play a vital role in strengthening the department’s efforts to deliver industry-ready training in renewable energy, smart grids, power conversion systems, and industrial automation among others.

“This is a timely boost to our efforts to equip students with practical skills and exposure to modern technologies. It will not only enhance the quality of training we offer but also ensure that our graduates are well prepared to meet the evolving needs of the energy and technology sectors,” said Dr. Muisyo.