Students, staff and industry players converged at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology for the inaugural exhibition for final year architecture students. Organised by the School of Architecture, the event showcased students’ ingenuity in different aspects of architecture as the finalists prepare to transition to the industry. The event themed: Building Bridges featured 25 student’s projects and one model project by the faculty.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (BORAQS), Arch. Patrick Mugo encouraged students to be open to new opportunities including going into private practice. Mugo challenged the students to think about publishing their work in high impact journals as a way of grounding themselves and getting the requisite professional exposure.

“You should be driven by passion and vision to create the change you need to see in the society,” Arch. Patrick Mugo exhorted.

Former Senator Kasanga presents a book to one of the students during the event.

Principal of the College of engineering and Technology, Dr. Hiram Ndiritu urged the students to actively seek sustainable solutions to Kenya’s housing, urban planning, and conservation challenges. In the spirit of Kaizen (continuous improvement), Dr. Ndiritu also nudged industry players at the event to offer constructive feedback to the students and faculty in order to further strengthen JKUAT’s training capabilities in the field of architecture.

Dr. Ndiritu added that the Architecture programme at JKUAT had received both BORAQS, and

commonwealth accreditation; qualifying JKUAT students to not only work in Kenya but also other commonwealth countries.

Board Chair, Kenya National Highways Authority and Chief Executive of Space and Style Arch. Winfrida Ngumi, encouraged the students to embrace new passion-driven worldviews that could propel them to professional success.

“It is important to be bold and have the mind-set to find solutions and create new things,” said Arch. Winnie Ngumi who is also alumnae of JKUAT.

Arch. Makan Evans showcases the model faculty project to the event participants.

Former Principal Secretary, State Department of Transport, Prof Paul Maringa challenged the students to aggressively network in their pursuit of career and professional objectives. Prof. Maringa who is currently serving as an adjunct lecturer at JKUAT is among the lead scholars who started the Architecture programme at the University.

The two-day event comes to a close on Thursday March 14 with award of excellent students. Among the guests who graced the exhibition is former Senator Arch Sylvia Kasanga, Arch Chris Naicca of Design Source Architects and Arch. Ham Wasonga of Brickhouse Ltd; all, alumni of JKUAT.