The Department of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering

The department of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering is under the School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering in the College of Engineering of Technology.

Chairman

Welcome to the Department of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering (MMPE) website, we are glad that you are here! MMPE Department is a research and innovation centre for the mining, minerals, and oil & gas industries collectively referred to as extractives industries. We pride ourselves in raising industry-ready engineers known for their prowess in solving challenges presented by the constantly evolving mining, minerals, oil and gas industries; thanks to our well-seasoned, highly trained and dedicated staff, comprising of senior academic staff and well-trained technologists. The non-teaching team also, actively works hand in hand with the academic staff for a better and ready outcome. We are currently offering one undergraduate course; BSc. in Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering and three (3) post graduate programs; MSc. in Mining Engineering, MSc. in Petroleum Engineering and PhD in Mining Engineering. For contact, our departmental email is mmpe@jkuat.ac.ke

Dr. Akisa David Mwangi

Throughout the years, we have continued to adopt practical and realistic approaches that are based on sound mastery of underlying theories and principles to solve mining and mineral processing engineering problems. This has ensured that we produce graduates who go on impact their society and environment positively and bring about collective changes that will position the mining industry as a core economic driver in the country.

Furthermore, we are keen on advancing the innovation and technology development agenda using Kenya’s natural resources, this has seen a number of our students and staff come up with innovative research that continuously improve the output and efficiency in mines.

Mission

To provide quality training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as undertake research and innovation in the discipline of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering to meet the demands of industry in the region and beyond.

Why a career in Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering?

Simple. The programme offers diverse work environments. Upon completion of the undergraduate course, graduates find employment opportunities in mining and process plants, government as policy makers for the industry, power plants, renewable energy, surveying, environmental agencies, financial institutions as technical advisors for mining related decisions. With the bank of practical knowledge acquired in our programme, graduates could also apply soft technological skills, to program, design, analyse, model and predict and make decisions for the industry (consulting). Our graduates effectively compete and secure international jobs in hot mining destinations. Besides that, our graduates are registrable with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).

You also can watch our latest documentary to understand more about the course.

Did you know Mining is one of the two main sources of raw materials for all industries? What minerals are in your smart phone? What are critical minerals?

Thanks to mining, we enjoy many technological and infrastructural advancements of today. As Kenya aligns herself to fully tap and benefit from her mineral wealth, we want to be at the forefront spearheading training and research to provide solutions to the challenges in the extractives industries both within and outside the country.

On this note, I once again welcome to the Department of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering! We look forward to engaging with you.

If you have any additional questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at mmpe@jkuat.ac.ke

Academic Staff

Prof. Bernard Kipsang Rop
PhD. – University of Pune, India
Specialization:
Petroleum engineering and applied geology.
Email: ropben@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications
Dr. David Akisa

Chair of the Department
PhD. – Wuhan University of Technology, China
Specialization:
Mine design and optimization and Operations research in mining operation
Email: dakisa@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Juliah Muriuki

PhD. – Okayama University, Japan
Specialization:
Thermodynamic modelling of ultra high-pressure metamorphic rocks and Software development in the mining industry
Email: jwangari@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Mariam Kassim
Post Graduate Studies Coordinator
PhD. – Egypt-Japan University for Science and Technology (E-JUST), Egypt
Specialization: Energy conversion and generation, Materials – fuel cell, thermoelectric, super-capacitors and Flexible electronic materials and device.
Email: mali@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications
Dr. Japheth Obiko

PhD.- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Specialization: Welding Metallurgy, Manufacturing processes and Material Characterization.
Email: jobiko@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Sammy Ombiro

Trips Coordinator
PhD. – Pan African university, Nigeria
Specialization: Underground mine planning and design and Geomechanics (soil and rock mechanics).
Email: sombiro@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Alvin Bett

External Attachment Coordinator
PhD. – Kyushu University, Japan.
Specialization:
Mechanical engineering, Design and production and Mineral processing.
Email: abett@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Gilbert Bett

Examination Coordinator
PhD. – Kyushu University, Japan.
Specialization: Reserve estimation and characterization and Energy Resources evaluation and management.
Email: gbett@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Mr. Seroni Anyona

PhD. – Kyushu University, Japan (ongoing)
Specialization:Geology and mining environment and Resource management.
Email: sanyona@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Joan Onyango

Departmental Timetabler
PhD. – Kyushu University, Japan
Specialization:Rock engineering and Mine machinery.
Email: jaonyango@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Mr. Henry Muli

PhD. Mining Engineering- JKUAT, Kenya (ongoing)
Specialization:Mine environmental engineering and management and Mine management
Email: hmuli@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Mr. Ian Krop

PhD.- Kyushu University, Japan (ongoing)
Specialization:Drilling & blasting engineering and Mine machinery.
Email: ikrop@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Mr. Brian Nzuki

PhD. – Kyushu University, Japan (ongoing)
Specialization: Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy.
Email
: bnzuki@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Peter Oboso Bernard

PhD. – Tottori University, Japan
Specialization:
Design and fabrication of a multistage steam turbine for small scale power production, and Microstructure and mechanical behaviour of aluminium alloy under high loading rates.
Email
: poboso@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Mr. Benson Njuguna

PhD. – Tottori University, Japan (ongoing)
Specialization:
Alloy modification through microstructural control
Email: bnjuguna@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Dr. Laura Wambani Simiyu

Internal Attachment Coordinator

PhD. – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology ,Kenya
Specialization:
Mechanical testing of materials, and Material microscopy characterization.
Email: lsimiyu@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Mr. Philemon Kiprotich Koskey

PhD – Kyushu University, Japan (Ongoing)
Specialization:
Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, and Mining Engineering.
Email: kiprotich.philemon@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Ms. Fatuma Rajab Mwanganga

PhD – University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Ongoing)
Specialization:
Mining and Mineral Processing, Metallurgy & Materials, and Oil & Gas Engineering.
Email: fatuma.rajab@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Mr. Frankline Mboya Mukolwe

PhD –Kyushu University,(ongoing)
Specialization:
Enhanced Oil Recovery, Exploration geology, and Mineral genesis
Email: frankline.mboya@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Ms. Faith Furaha Mlewa

PhD – Akita University, Japan (ongoing).
Specialization:
Mining Engineering; Mineral Economics, Governance and Policy; Artisanal and Small Scale Mining. 
Email: faith.mlewa@jkuat.ac.ke
Publications

Non – Academic Staff

Ms. Irene Fedha

Chief TechnologistPost graduate diploma in occupational safety and health, JKUATBSc. Mechanical Engineering, JKUAT

Ms. Rosemary Wanjiru Mwaniki

Office Administrator
Diploma in Business Office ManagementCertificate in Information Technology Secretarial Business Studies, Stage I, II and III (KNEC)
Ms. Pricilla Ngumi

Office Assistant
  • Resource Estimation and Exploration
  • Mine Planning and Optimization
  • Mineral Economics
  • Mining Geology
  • Drilling and Blasting Techniques
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Mine Ventilation Systems
  • Extractive Metallurgy
  • Advanced Flotation Techniques
  • Sustainable Mining Practices
  • Mine Safety and Risk Management
  • Process Modeling and Simulation
  • Mineralogical Characterization
  • Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Methods
  • Reservoir Characterization and Modelling
  • Drilling Engineering
  • Well Stimulation
  • Petroleum Reservoir Geomechanics
  • Production Optimization
  • Natural Gas Engineering
  • Petroleum Economics and Risk Analysis
  • Mining engineer                                                                            Mine managers
  • Quarry engineers                                                                          Blasting supervisor/managers
  • Geotechnical engineers                                                               Mine environment engineers
  • Mine safety engineers                                                                 Mineral processing engineers
  • Mining consultants                                                                      Project managers
  • Lecturers and researchers                                                          Inspectors of mines
  • Inspectors of explosives                                                              Metallurgists
  • Business development managers                                              Risk management specialists
  • Mine surveyors                                                                              Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers
  • Petroleum engineers                                                                    Mine Ventilation Engineer
  • Demolition Project Engineer                                                     Drilling engineers
  • Field Service Engineers                                                               Mining Superintendents
  • Geothermal Experts                                                                     Oil and Gas experts

Departmental News & Events

JKUAT Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering Students Shine on a Global Stage

JKUAT students pursuing Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering have once again showcased their academic excellence on the global stage after emerging top performers in an international…..

JKUAT Participates in the Premier Mining Investment Conference & Expo

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) actively participated in this year’s Mining Investment Conference & Expo (MICE2026), reaffirming institutional commitment to advance innovation, research, and…………..

Collaboration Meeting between JKUAT and Indonesian Embassy

The Department of Mining, Materials, and Petroleum Engineering in JKUAT hosted members of the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi at JKUAT. The introductory meeting aimed at forgoing a collaboration between JKUAT and Indonesian universities for……

Critical Minerals Catalogue in Kenya

The minerals covered herein include copper, coltan (columbite-tantalite), rare earth elements (REEs), niobium, graphite, lithium, chromium, nickel and uranium. These
commodities are of growing global interest due to their vital role in renewable energy…….

JKUAT Signs a Collaboration with Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria)

JKUAT Partners with University of Leoben (Montanuniversität Leoben), Austria, to explore opportunities in sustainable mining, research partnerships, and technological exchange. A step forward in fostering international collaboration in the mining sector.

Curtin-JKUAT BSc. Mining Engineering Joint Collaboration

The Department of MMPE is excited to play a central role in the joint collaboration between JKUAT and Curtin University, aimed at forging a new path in the BSc. Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering programme.

Meeting with Australian High Commission Officials

JKUAT’s Department of MMPE hosted the Australian High Commission for a key dialogue on advancing partnerships in mining education and innovation.

Collaboration Meeting with Marula Mining PLC

The Department of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering hosted a team from Marula Mining PLC to discuss the implementation of their recently signed collaboration agreement. The main areas of focus were key deliverables such as research on the value addition of battery minerals, internship opportunities student mentorship programs among others. Both teams agreed that the implementation should be rolled out soon to ensure they gain the maximum benefit from the partnership.

Call for a Masters Scholarship Opportunity

Through a collaboration between JKUAT (Kenya) and Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria), the department of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering (MMPE) in excited to announce a scholarship opportunity for a Masters Degree in Geoenergy Engineering at Montanuniversität Leoben. Here’s the application link.

Field Trip: MMPE Students Visit Space and Style LTD

Our BSc. Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering students recently toured Space and Style LTD, gaining insights into how mining knowledge intersects with construction, design, manufacturing, and sustainability.

MMPE Department Celebrates 2025 MMPE Graduates

The Department of Mining, Materials, and Petroleum Engineering (MMPE) celebrates her BSc. Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering graduates, class of 2025 during the JKUAT 44th Graduation Ceremony on 27th June 2025.

 

 

 

JKUAT Inks partnership with Marula Mining PLC

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has inked an agreement with the Marula Mining PLC to undertake…