Courtesy call to Prof. Siphila Mumenya, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, University of Nairobi (UON) by a team from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of the University of Manchester (UOM), United Kingdom on 12th May 2026.
From Right to Left: Prof. Thomas Ochuku Mbuya, Director of Research and Enterprise (UON), Prof. Paul Mativenga, Chair in Multiscale & Sustainable Manufacturing and Head of Manufacturing Group (UOM), Prof. Siphila Mumenya, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (UON), Dr. Nazanin Mir Hosseini, EDI Perera Fellow and Research Fellow at the Laser Processing Research Laboratory (UOM), Dr. Okechukwu Okorie, Senior Lecturer and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow (UOM), Ms. Victoria Oluchi Omeire, PhD student (UOM), Dr. Richard Kimilu, Lecturer Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (UON) and Dr Kenneth Njoroge, Chairman of the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (UON)
The team led by Prof. Paul Mativenga was in Nairobi at the invitation of Prof. Thomas Ochuku Mbuya, Director of research and Enterprise to discuss collaborative research and development project opportunities in the areas of inclusive clean energy access, sustainable manufacturing and circular economy. Opportunities for PhD scholarships and student mobility were also discussed.
The outcome of the visit include the following:
1.) Staff and PhD student mobilities and PhD Scholarship opportunities. The University of Manchester will be hosting Mr. Enoch Musyoka for a one (1) month research stay at the University of Manchester. Mr. Musyoka is a Tutorial Fellow at the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering undertaking PhD research on laser cutting of metallic sheets. Prof. Thomas Ochuku Mbuya will also be visiting the University of Manchester in March 2026 to expand collaboration engagements between UON and UOM.
2.) A joint concept proposal on Inclusive Clean Energy Access with a focus on Solar Energy.
3.) A concept proposal on establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Circular Economy Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Engineering.
4.) Identification of other areas of possible joint research and funding.
