In a resounding celebration of research and innovation, the University of Nairobi’s 8th Research Week began on October 28, bringing together scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore solutions for global challenges. The highlight of this annual event was the 6th International Engineering Conference, which opened on October 29 and continued through October 31, 2024. This year’s conference, held by the Faculty of Engineering, united participants around the theme “Resilience and Sustainability,” addressing critical engineering solutions for sustainable growth.

The conference’s opening ceremony on October 28 set the tone for Research Week, featuring speeches by university leaders and government officials. Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Jesang Hutchinson welcomed attendees with a powerful message about the university’s role in addressing societal challenges. "As a leading institution, we must engage actively in creating practical, scalable solutions to the environmental and infrastructural challenges facing our society," she said, expressing hope that the conference would inspire further collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Julius Migos, who served as Chief Guest, underscored the importance of diversified funding for research, noting, “Given that the government may not have sufficient resources to fund research, universities must show the way in mobilizing revenue from knowledge generation.” Hon. Migos praised the University of Nairobi’s dedication to expanding research partnerships, both locally and internationally, to drive the country’s innovation landscape forward.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise, Prof. Francis Mulaa, highlighted the institution’s commitment to meaningful research. "Innovation must be embedded in every facet of our work," he stated. “The future demands engineers who not only understand technical intricacies but can also anticipate and mitigate challenges tied to resilience and sustainability.” Prof. Mulaa stressed the need for collaborative research to translate academic insights into tangible solutions.

Prof. Mumenya, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, officially opened the Engineering Conference on October 29, extending his appreciation to the organizing committee led by Prof. Mbuge. “The program is packed with exciting keynote speeches and groundbreaking research papers that address critical areas in our field,” he said. The Dean invited attendees to immerse themselves in the conference’s robust sessions, which focused on pressing engineering challenges across Kenya and beyond.

Renowned speakers took to the stage, with Eng. Eric Ohaga from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya emphasizing the importance of renewable energy partnerships. “To achieve economic growth, the country requires adequate, renewable energy,” he noted, calling for collective action among young people, women, and community leaders to drive sustainability. Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey of the Kenya Space Agency echoed the need for collaborative capacity-building, noting the longstanding partnership between the agency and the University’s Faculty of Engineering. “The theme of this conference speaks to the essential capacities needed for sustainable growth and development,” he observed.

The three-day conference featured over 15 research paper presentations on topics ranging from stormwater management to environmental engineering and renewable resources. Linus Anari, a Geospatial Engineering student lauded for his achievements in NASA's Blue Dot Challenge, also launched a mentorship program aimed at inspiring future generations of engineers, a moment that resonated deeply with attendees.

Prominent figures such as Eng. Prof. Dorothy Okello from Makerere University and Eng. Margaret Ogai from the Engineers Board of Kenya shared insights on the future of engineering education and practice in East Africa, emphasizing the need for adaptive education models to equip future engineers.

As the conference concluded, participants departed with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to resilience and sustainability. The University of Nairobi’s 6th Annual International Engineering Conference solidified its reputation as a vital hub for research, innovation, and collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future in Kenya and beyond.