The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (DEEE) hosted a team from Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) on the 27th of August 2025. The visit was part of a practical industry-based upskilling training and focused on new technologies that are currently used in automation and heavy current systems. The team, under the auspices of Universal Technology Associates Limited, was led by the company’s Consulting Director, Eng. John Wenyaa. It comprised of 15 engineers and technical staff who are part of a 4-week training programme in automation. Notably, three of the trainees are TU-K alumni.

Having already completed the theoretical aspects of the training, the trainees were hosted at the university for a 1-day practical session in the electrical laboratories. They were received by the DEEE chairperson, Dr. Mary Ahuna, and Eng. Paul Ochola, a lecturer in the department, among other staff members.

Universal Technology Associates Limited is a private company that provides a wide range of consulting services to KenGen, Kenya Power, and the Kenya Ports Authority. The company has an MoU with TU-K that will see both institutions collaborate in key areas, including capacity building, job placement, as well as research and development opportunities.

“Learning is a continuous process. We have new challenges, new systems, and new technologies, and therefore, there is the need for upskilling,” said Eng. Wenyaa.

“We do not just upskill by going to the classroom and studying theoretical work. We must upskill through training and practical exposure,” he added.

“One thing we have identified about the Technical University of Kenya is that it has a strong background in automation,” stressed Eng. Wenyaa.

He further emphasised that TU-K has the equipment required to support their training needs. Thus, he encouraged the KenGen team to enrol in the university’s study programmes and noted that the facilities are also useful in providing short training courses and workshops, such as the one they are undertaking.

Dr. Mary Ahuna, the chair of the department, thanked the team for their commitment to upgrading their skills. Eng. Ochola, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of staff undertaking refresher courses to keep up-to-date with industry needs.

“Continuous learning takes place throughout our professional journey. While our education provides a strong foundation, the emergence of new technologies requires us to keep going back and learn. We truly appreciate this collaboration,” said Eng. Ochola.

“As a University, we are undertaking our legal mandate, and we shall continue upskilling relevant professionals as new technologies are introduced,” he concluded.