Civil and Structural Engineering Department
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Welcome to the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, an academic department that is dedicated to offering relevant training in all the aspects of the traditional branches of civil engineering ranging from Structural Engineering, Highway and Transportation, Engineering Materials, Engineering Survey, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics, Water Supply, Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Engineering.
The Department was established in 2002 under the Faculty of Science and Engineering which was later split into Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering in the year 2008. It was one of the pioneer departments of the then Western University College, a constituent College of Moi University. The Department has grown since then with expansion of programmes, staff and student numbers. The Department is currently under the School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE).
The Department is dedicated to preparing graduate engineers who can accomplish the design and construction of infrastructure facilities; prepare the graduate engineers with sound knowledge in the fundamentals so as to enable them to participate in applied theoretical research as well as consultancy services; develop vocational and entrepreneurial skills among graduate engineers as a basis for employment and further studies; develop positive and responsive vocational attitudes; initiative and creative thinking oriented to the world of work. The students undergo a mandatory practical training involving both site work and office design experience during their vacation.
The Department is committed to spearheading world-class higher education in civil and structural engineering and in producing skilled and able graduates to fulfil the dynamic needs of Kenya and beyond. The Department has an experienced, friendly and vibrant community of academic and technical staff ready to guide students in their path towards excellence. The staff in the Department are affiliated to the accreditation bodies of Engineering and Technology.
The Department currently offers the following accredited programs:
- PhD in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Structural Engineering
- Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Civil and Structural Engineering
- Bachelor of Technology in Building Construction
- Bachelor of Technology Education (Building and Civil Technology)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Diploma in Building Construction
The programmes offered at the Department are designed to equip the students with broad and in-depth knowledge in the field of civil engineering as the curricula covers both engineering and management of infrastructure and natural resources. The programmes are accredited by the Engineering Board of Kenya and Commission for University Education. Furthermore, the programmes undergo continuous review through stakeholders and faculty members to keep abreast with best practices worldwide and respond to the current challenges in civil engineering.
Vision
To be a centre of excellence in training, research and consultancy services in civil and structural engineering.
Mission
To provide holistic training in civil and structural engineering by integrating new technologies in research and services that leads to successful career development.
Motto
Civil engineering for sustainable development.
Objectives
- To train at least 40 graduate engineers per academic year who can accomplish the design and supervision of construction of civil engineering infrastructure and give consultancy services with due regard to professional ethics.
- To train at least 40 graduate technologists per academic year with vocational and entrepreneurial skills in line with the Vision 2030 blue print
- To undertake research geared towards solving civil engineering problems and publish at least four journal articles annually.
- To disseminate engineering knowledge in the area of civil engineering by undertaking one consultancy and hold one seminar annually.
- To engage with the external industry and community in order to learn of the practical problems for further research by maintaining at least one linkage with the industry per year.
Research
The department is engaged in research and consultancy services in the following areas:
• Structural and materials engineering
• Highway and transportation engineering
• Water and environmental engineering
Consultancy
The department laboratory facilities are subdivided into the following sections:
Transportation and highway
Materials and soils
Hydraulics and water engineering
Structures and concrete
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Centre
Geographical Information system (GIS)
Engineering surveying and Automated Weather Station (AWS)
Linkages
The department has established linkages and collaborations with the following institutions
Academic and Research Institutions
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa,
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya,
Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Kenya,
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI),
Water Resources Management Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority
County Governments: County Governments of Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia
Alumni
The alumni of the department are working in various industries both in government and private sector.
The most notable institutions are county governments, ministry of Public works, National Construction Authority, Kenya National Highway Authority, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority, leading private sector contractors and consultants.
Our Alumni, have contributed in the infrastructural development in the country and the region including mega projects such as Thika Super highway, Standard Gauge Railway, Lamu Port South Sudan – Ethiopia Transport (LAPSET) Project among others.