A Short Description About Myself And Work

I am a Mechanical Engineer by Profession and currently working with the Technical University of Kenya.  My research areas are mainly Materials Engineering, Energy, Additive Manufacturing and Foundry Engineering.

It is a well known fact that „We learn from everything we see, hear or feel and that learning is a lifetime process“.  Being an educator and a mentor, I have under this project developed a keen interest to enhance my pedagogical skills as well as apply technology in content delivery.

The workshop series at both Neu-Ulm and Ingolshadt exposed me to techniques that will henceforth assist in achieving the above.   To this end, I have been able to compare and contrast the Kenyan system of Higher education and that of German Universities of Applied Sciences.  It’s evident that Germany attaches great importance to applied research as a key to transformative education that in turn translates to positive institutional change.

Kenya is currently faced with the challenge of fostering development towards the achievement of Vision 2030 hence finding herself at the cross-roads on the type of education strategies to adopt or implement at both Tertiary and University levels.  The model practiced in Universities of applied sciences in Germany offers a perfect option for Kenya as a way forward.

Relevant insights gained:

1. The German government attaches great importance to Universities of Applied Science
2. Professors of Applied Science Universities must have worked in industry before joining the University
3. Industry is a key driver to the success of a University of Applied Science
4. Collaboration between Universities of Applied Science and Industry focuses on solving real life problems
5. Virtually all students going through a University of Applied Science must have practical exposure at both internship and thesis levels
6. The mode of training is instructive or collaborative, largely inviting the contribution of the student as opposed to the professor “handing down knowledge”.
7. All programmes offered at a University of Applied Science have a relevance to the market or community of interest.
8. The University is seen as a benefactor to the community.

Applying the lessons learnt in TU-K

Successful implementation of the University of Applied Science Model requires:-

1. buy in from all stakeholders (Students, Faculty, Management, Industry and Government),
2. formulation of sound/supportive policies at University and government levels,
3. remodelling the approach of Industrial attachment to include seminars that are assessed at the beginning and end of session,
4. development of strategies and training schedules for faculty staff on transformative education,
5. a supportive Management,