The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Car and General (C&G) to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. This is in areas of training, internship and job placements, joint innovative projects, and setting up a Center of Excellence.
The partnership aims to bridge theoretical learning and practical application for students pursuing engineering courses and will also cut across ICT training. Under this agreement, students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience.
Car and General, a leading East African supplier of a wide range of internationally reputable brands in power generation, automotive, construction and industrial engineering products, will provide an ideal platform for students to immerse themselves in the dynamic landscape of innovative solutions in the automotive industry.
The company aims to engage TU-K students in training and innovative venture of conversion of the traditional petrol, diesel engine vehicles to cutting-edge electric vehicles.
The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both institutions, including the Managing Director, Car and General, Mr. David Chesoni, Head of Consumer Business – Mr. George Rubiri, and the Head of Communication and Public Relations, Mr. Raphael Atanda. They were received by the VC – Prof. Benedict Mutua, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Institutional Advancement and Enterprise – Prof. Paul Wambua, Ag. Director, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering – Dr. Fredrick Mutua, and Technologist from the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering- Mr. Festus Cheruiyot.
The VC expressed his excitement for the collaboration. “There is quite a lot we can do together; this partnership will cut across engineering courses offered at the university,” he said.
He acknowledged that TU-K has had a long history with C&G and it was time to get back on board in order to produce highly skilled graduates.
Mr. Chesoni, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. He gave a short history of the deep-rooted relationship with TU-K. “A lot of things have changed due to technological advancement. For example, look at a tuk-tuk car that is powered by petrol, right now we have electric tuk-tuks,” he said. Chesoni admitted that nurturing young talent is essential for the sustainable growth of the manufacturing industry.
Mr. Rubiri emphasized the practical benefits of the partnership. He explained how the students would not only benefit by gaining skills in converting traditional vehicles to electric cars but would also be able to generate an income. “The energy-powered vehicle conversation will also make room for ICT students to showcase their skills, this is due to ‘telematic’ which involves monitoring car battery life, elements of control, tracking and other electrical monitoring functions,” he said.
Rubiri pointed out that the automotive industry is evolving rapidly from traditional combustion engines to electric mobility solutions. Students will witness firsthand the transformation taking place. This exposure will prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
