SES Tech Week Fosters Innovative Engineering Solutions - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*A section of the students listening keenly to proceedings during the Tech Week event.*

As the curtain came down on the Society of Engineering Students (SES) Technology Week, one key takeaway was the significance of leveraging innovations and sustainable practices to develop effective engineering solutions.

With rising building costs and an increasing emphasis on green construction, exploring new technologies and practices is essential to advance these efforts.

This was one of the key outcomes of the 4th edition of Tech Week, held on October 4th and 5th, 2024. Under the theme, “Future Forward: Engineering a Better Tomorrow,” the event provided students with essential career guidance.

Speaking during the official opening of the event, The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, emphasized the importance of the event to students, lauding the society for serving as a platform that prepares them to become holistic professionals beyond university life.

*Eng. Robert Ogallo gives his remarks during the panel discussion on sustainability in building and construction.*

“I commend the Society of Engineering Students for its efforts, which have significantly enhanced the university’s teaching and research outcomes. SES has taken steps to ensure students gain the technical expertise and skills demanded by the industry through experiences in leadership, innovation, and mentorship,” said Prof. Ngumi.

Represented by the Principal of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (COANRE), Prof. Daniel Sila, the Vice Chancellor also noted that this year’s event captured the essence of how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive us toward a more sustainable future.

“For instance, one standout project involves developing a smart pill dispenser, a solution that has the potential to transform how we manage chronic diseases, like hypertension and diabetes. Such innovations offer hope and serve society in profound ways,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

*The Principal of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (COANRE), Prof. Daniel Sila delivers the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi speech.*

Prof. Ngumi expressed JKUAT’s strong commitment to supporting events such as the Tech Week, which create opportunities to push the boundaries of creativity and transform ideas from paper into prototypes and, ultimately, commercial products.

She further highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property through the University’s Directorate of Intellectual Property Management and University-Industry Liaison (DIPUIL), ensuring that innovations are safeguarded.

During a panel discussion on sustainability in building and construction, Eng. Robert Ogallo, a key speaker at the event, encouraged students to think beyond traditional methods and to embrace innovative approaches that contribute to a sustainable future in engineering. He emphasized that research and innovation are vital pathways for aspiring engineers seeking job opportunities.

“As students, your goal should be to develop innovations and sustainable solutions. This is a crucial step in creating your own employment opportunities through your creativity,” Eng. Ogallo stated.

Juliet Maingi, President of the Society of Engineering Students and a fourth-year mechanical engineering student, underscored the importance of the event for students to explore their potential, collaborate and push the boundaries of what they can achieve in realm of engineering.

“This Tech Week is designed to equip students with both technical and soft skills necessary to thrive in the engineering world. We also believe in imparting crucial skills to high school students to familiarize them with the demands of the engineering profession,” said Maingi.