JKUAT Reviews Mining, Geology and Petroleum Programmes - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Prof. George Thiong’o gives his remarks during the workshop*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has been at the forefront of ensuring its programs remain relevant to industry needs and technological advancements. To this end, the Department of Mining, Materials, and Petroleum Engineering (MMPE) at JKUAT hosted a comprehensive curricula review workshop attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including faculty members, industry professionals, accreditation bodies, students, and alumni. During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed four programs: BSc. Applied Geology, BSc. Petroleum Engineering, BSc. Mining Engineering, and Diploma in Explosives, Drilling, and Safety.

While welcoming the participants to the workshop on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Chair of the Department, Dr. Juliah Muriuki, noted that by bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders and fostering a collaborative environment, the university has taken a proactive approach to curriculum development. The move, she noted, would not only strengthen the Mining program but also reaffirm the University’s commitment to academic excellence and industry relevance.

*Dr. Eng. Hirum Ndiritu during the opening of the workshop.*

“We are excited about the future of our programs. The insights and contributions from this workshop will help us build a curriculum that prepares our students for successful careers and positions them as leaders in the maritime industry,” said Dr. Muriuki.”

Emphasizing the importance of adapting educational programs to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry, the Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, said that Higher Educational Institutions have a duty to empower students by imparting knowledge, practical skills, and positive attitudes in the classroom, laboratory, workshop, and field situations.

“We are committed to providing our students with an education that not only meets but exceeds industry expectations. This workshop is a crucial step in ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future,” said Dr. Ndiritu.

The Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of academic affairs, Prof. George Thiong’o, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, stated that the graduates produced at the university level should be well-equipped to face industry challenges, underscoring the importance of the review workshop in fine-tuning the current programs to meet industry demands.

*Dr. Juliah Muriuki, the Chair of Department of Mining, Materials, and Petroleum.*

Prof. Thiong’o also highlighted JKUAT’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates, noting that over the years, the university has successfully graduated more than 100 students in the mining and petroleum sector who are now making their mark in Kenya and beyond.

“We are honored to have such a distinguished and diverse group of experts participating in this stakeholders’ workshop from various research institutions and government ministries related to the mining and petroleum sectors in the country. We deeply appreciate your active participation and support in this exercise. We also look forward to further collaboration in the exploitation of Kenya’s mineral resource endowments for the development of our country,” said Prof. Thiong’o.

The workshop developed a revised mining curriculum that incorporates the latest technological advancements, addresses industry demands, and promotes sustainability and ethical practices. An action plan for the implementation of the updated curriculum was also formulated, ensuring a smooth transition and continuous improvement. This is an important Commission of University Education (CUE) requirement that ensures curricula are consistently reviewed and fine-tuned to meet market demands, adequately preparing students for the world of work.