The Biomedical Engineering programme the University of Nairobi is set to mount, possibly in the next few months, is an important stride for the premier engineering and technology institution, not least because it is geared towards creating an engineering capability to serve Kenya’s needs and the region’s. This is what came out of the sentiments of Dr. Thomas Ochuku, the Associate Dean, School of Engineering.
Dr. Ochuku made the remarks on the second of the Afretec Workshop held at the University from November 28-30, 2023. While encouraging the full participation of everyone at the workshop, he pointed out that the envisaged programme would have far-reaching benefits, extending from the university to the country and the region.
“This programme is important for us as a university and for Kenya as well,” he said. That there would be a benefit to the country and the region was obviously an allusion to the vital role that an IT-driven curriculum would play in the scientific and technological development in Kenya and the neighbouring countries.
Dr. Ochuku’s sentiments were apt especially in the domain of medical sciences where by harnessing the cross-faculty strengths, as is intended, innovations would spring forth to solve real problems that continue to attend these countries.
The remarks were notable coming from the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department since the department would be pivotal in supporting the design and manufacturing aspects of Bio-medical equipment under the curriculum.
He made the remarks as he introduced the Dean, Prof. Ayub Gitau, and so set the tone for a brief presentation that recognized and elevated the important role of a multidisciplinary curriculum of Biomedical Engineering and Technology leveraging an IT-enabled platform of delivery.
