Celebrating the First Engineering Students Association Dinner by the Murang’a University of Technology Engineering Students Association

The engineering fraternity at Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) reached a remarkable milestone with the first-ever Engineering Students Association Dinner, held under the IEK Central Branch. This event, the first of its kind at the university, marked a momentous occasion that brought together engineering students, professionals, and industry leaders in a night of celebration, mentorship, and inspiration.

A Dream Come True

Seeing an active Engineering Students Association at Murang’a University of Technology is a dream come true for me. It has taken seven years of background work, but tonight, the real credit goes to the student leadership. I may have only lit a fire, but they went ahead and turned it into a blazing scene of inspiration and impact that will shape the future of engineering students at MUT. Their energy, dedication, and vision have exceeded expectations, setting a strong foundation for generations to come.

A Night of Insight, Celebration, and Networking

The evening was graced by Eng. Hannah Njeri, Chairperson of IEK Central Branch and a Council Member of IEK, alongside distinguished female engineers including Eng. Grace, Eng. Maureen, Eng. Nancy, and Charity Diana. The presence of these accomplished engineers, alongside myself representing the male engineers, highlighted the increasing role of women in the engineering profession and the importance of mentorship for young engineers. We were also honored to have representatives from SEKU, MMU, and DeKUT Engineering Student Associations, making this event a true networking opportunity across institutions.

Key Highlights of the Evening

The dinner was not just about fine dining and entertainment—it was a holistic event that included:

✅ Career Advice & Industry Insights – Students gained valuable perspectives on career progression, the importance of professional networking, and embracing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Engineering.

✅ Generous Sponsorships – The event was made possible through the generous support of IEK, ACEK, and Doch Sustainable Solutions Ltd. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these organizations for their unwavering support in nurturing young engineering talent and making this event a resounding success., reaffirming their commitment to nurturing young engineering talent.

✅ Entertainment by the Renowned MUT Kikuyu Dance Group – Cultural performances brought energy and excitement, showcasing the richness of Kenya’s traditions.

✅ A Taste of Excellence – The event featured a variety of tasty cuisines, ensuring that the evening was as delightful to the palate as it was to the mind.

✅ Glamour and Elegance – Students arrived in impeccable attire, demonstrating professionalism even in social settings—a key aspect of personal branding.

✅ Outstanding Professional Turnout – The presence of five accomplished female engineers alongside myself made for an inspiring gender-balanced representation of the profession.

✅ Exceptional MC-ing by Lennox – A special mention to Lennox, whose outstanding MC-ing skills kept the evening lively, engaging, and seamlessly coordinated, making the event even more memorable.

✅ Cake Cutting & Celebration – A symbolic cake-cutting session marked the unity and growth of the engineering student community.

✅ Dancing, Photo Sessions & Networking – The event concluded on a high note, with lively dancing, memorable photo sessions, and engaging discussions that will no doubt strengthen professional bonds for years to come.

✅ A Special Thanks to Mima Gardens – The management of Mima Gardens deserves a huge appreciation for the colorful and well-coordinated setup that made the evening visually spectacular and truly memorable.

Speech by IEK President, Eng. Shammah Kiteme (Delivered by Eng. Hannah Njeri)

The highlight of the evening was the inspiring speech by Eng. Shammah Kiteme, President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), who delivered a powerful message emphasizing the role of young engineers in shaping Kenya’s future. On behalf of Eng. Shammah Kiteme, she shared three fundamental aspects that will define a successful engineering career:

1️⃣ Passion and Lifelong Learning – "Engineering does not end at graduation. Stay curious, keep learning, and seek new knowledge. The most successful engineers are those who embrace change and continue developing their skills."

2️⃣ Ethics and Integrity – "As professionals, you will be entrusted with designing and building structures, systems, and solutions that affect lives. Always uphold the highest standards of ethics, accountability, and safety. Your reputation is your most valuable asset."

3️⃣ Collaboration and Networking – "Engineering is a team effort. Build relationships with your peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Engage with IEK, participate in research, and be part of initiatives that drive national development."

Eng. Hannah Njeri also applauded the students for their enthusiasm and encouraged them to remain proactive in their journey on behalf of Eng. Shammah Kiteme. She reaffirmed IEK’s commitment to supporting young engineers through mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities.

The Future of Engineering: AI, Career Progression & Personal Branding

During my address, I took the opportunity to highlight some key aspects shaping the future of engineering:

📌 AI and Engineering – Having just concluded a week-long AI for Engineers workshop (approved by WFEO) and set to be officially launched on Monday at Safari Park Hotel, I emphasized the critical role of AI in modern engineering.

📌 Networking & Professional Growth – My personal career journey is a testament to the power of networking—every opportunity I have had has come through professional connections. I urged students to engage actively in IEK, IEEE, and other professional bodies to expand their networks.

📌 Postgraduate Pathways – The progression pathways for diploma graduates into Technology Education, Technology, and Engineering were discussed, highlighting the structured transition routes available based on professional body requirements.

📌 Personal Branding – I stressed that engineering is not just about technical skills. Your reputation, visibility, and presentation define your success. Students were encouraged to:

• Maintain a strong LinkedIn profile
• Communicate their ideas clearly
• Showcase their projects and innovations
• Build a credible professional image

Handover to the Next Leadership

The night concluded with a symbolic handover to the next leadership of the MUT Engineering Students Association, ensuring continuity and sustained growth of the community. The commitment and enthusiasm displayed by the new leaders promise an exciting future for engineering students at MUT.

Final Thoughts

This dinner was more than just an event; it was a statement that the engineering student community at Murang’a University of Technology is growing, evolving, and ready to take its place in Kenya’s engineering landscape.

To all students: embrace opportunities, engage with industry leaders, and build strong professional networks. Your future is bright—go forth and engineer a better world!