The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nairobi was abuzz with activity from April 23 to 25, 2025, as it played host to the prestigious Annual Conference of the Kenya Society of Environmental, Biological and Agricultural Engineers (KeSEBAE). Held under the banner “Engineering Climate Change,” the conference brought together a vibrant mix of academics, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and students—all united by a shared mission: to engineer sustainable solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time.

Founded in 2010, KeSEBAE is a professional society that champions the advancement of engineering in agriculture, environment, and biological systems. It serves as a platform for collaboration between academia and industry, nurturing a generation of engineers equipped to drive innovation in food systems, climate resilience, water management, and sustainable development. The 2025 edition of the annual conference underscored this commitment, drawing participants from across Kenya and beyond.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Hamisi Williams, Assistant FAO Representative to Kenya, who challenged engineers to think beyond academic theory. “We need engineers to innovate beyond the paper,” he said. “Let’s see solutions that farmers and communities can use in their daily lives.” His call for practical, inclusive engineering approaches resonated strongly with attendees and set the tone for three days of rich engagement and learning.

A major highlight of the conference was the Validation of the University’s Engineering and Science Complex (ESC)—an ambitious €35 million project co-financed by the Government of Kenya and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). First conceptualized in 2015, the ESC has evolved into a transformative vision for the future of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and research in Kenya and across Africa.

Mr. Brian Ouma, Chief Operations Officer at the University of Nairobi, led the validation session with a detailed presentation on the ESC’s journey—from idea to implementation. “We are building more than just a facility,” he emphasized. “This is about developing a centre of excellence that will power innovation and research for decades to come.”

Slated to break ground in December 2025, the ESC will be a state-of-the-art hub designed to host cutting-edge labs, collaborative learning spaces, and research infrastructure. The project aims to anchor academic reforms at the university across five key pillars: Curriculum, Research, Industry-Academia Linkages, Internationalization, and Innovation—with gender responsiveness at its core.

The validation session attracted representatives from key regulatory and professional bodies, including the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Their feedback focused on ensuring that the ESC not only meets technical standards but also contributes to Kenya’s broader development agenda.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Eng. Prof. Ayub Gitau, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), praised the longstanding collaboration between KeSEBAE and the University of Nairobi. “This conference is a convergence of knowledge, experience, and aspiration,” he remarked. “The work KeSEBAE is doing to connect academia and industry is crucial—not just for engineering, but for the country’s future. Through partnerships like this, our students will benefit from mentorship, training, and exposure to real-world challenges.”

The three-day conference was rich in technical content and collaborative spirit. Over 30 peer-reviewed papers were presented by scholars and practitioners, covering a wide range of themes including Green Economy, Renewable Energy Systems, Waste and Water Management, ICT for Climate Solutions, and Engineering Education for Climate Change. Exhibitions by local innovators and companies showcased homegrown solutions in renewable energy, precision agriculture, and sustainable construction.

Students, too, played a central role in the event. From earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) to participating in interactive panel discussions and industrial visits, they were immersed in practical learning experiences that bridged classroom knowledge with real-world application.

The successful hosting of KeSEBAE 2025 and the validation of the Engineering and Science Complex mark a pivotal moment for the University of Nairobi. As the ESC prepares to take shape, it carries with it the promise of becoming a beacon for STEM education and innovation—not just for Kenya, but for the entire continent.

This is more than a building. It’s a bold leap into the future—a place where research meets relevance, where innovation is nurtured, and where tomorrow’s engineers will be equipped to change the world.