On 5 August 2026, the Department of Civil & Construction Engineering, University of Nairobi, has received a consignment of specialised laboratory equipment through its ongoing research collaboration with Creative Adaptive Thinking (CAT), LLC, marking another important milestone in strengthening the Department's capacity for experimental research in sustainable construction materials.

The equipment acquisition supports the implementation of a collaborative research programme focusing on the validation of additive-enhanced cementitious systems, durability assessment, and advanced materials testing within the Kenyan construction context. The collaboration agreement, signed between the University of Nairobi and Creative Adaptive Thinking, provides a framework for joint research, pilot studies, academic dissemination, and the development of publishable research outputs.

New Equipment Received

The Department has received several pieces of laboratory equipment, including:

• A thermostatic water bath for controlled curing of cementitious specimens;
• A new set of laboratory sieves for aggregate and material grading in accordance with international testing standards; and
• ASTM-compliant mortar moulds for preparing standard mortar specimens for strength and durability testing.

The new equipment will enhance the Department's ability to conduct high-quality laboratory investigations while supporting both postgraduate and undergraduate research activities.

Supporting World-Class Research

Under the collaboration, the University of Nairobi is responsible for providing laboratory and testing facilities, facilitating knowledge exchange between students, faculty and CAT, supporting academic dissemination, and undertaking research on additive-enhanced cementitious systems, structural performance, durability evaluation, and joint academic publications. Creative Adaptive Thinking, LLC provides methodological guidance, pilot study design support, material support where appropriate, and contributes to the analysis and preparation of academic outputs.

The pilot research programme focuses on the exploratory evaluation of additive-enhanced cementitious systems through structured laboratory testing aligned with available laboratory capabilities. The research is designed to generate high-quality, publishable datasets while ensuring that testing methodologies can be replicated by other academic institutions operating under different environmental and regulatory conditions.

Enhancing Student Training

A key objective of the collaboration is to strengthen student participation in research by exposing postgraduate and undergraduate students to internationally recognised laboratory procedures and structured research methodologies.

The pilot work plan places particular emphasis on:

• Student participation and practical training;
• Methodologically rigorous experimental research;
• Generation of publishable scientific results; and
• Local leadership in research design and interpretation.

The equipment will therefore play an important role in enhancing laboratory-based learning and providing students with hands-on experience in advanced materials testing.

Building International Research Partnerships

Creative Adaptive Thinking is a United States-based advisory and enablement firm specialising in resilient infrastructure, sustainability-oriented innovation, advanced materials validation, and structured research design. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to bridge laboratory research with practical engineering applications while strengthening interdisciplinary research and international academic cooperation.

The research collaboration is coordinated on behalf of the University of Nairobi by Eng. Muthomi Munyua of the Department of Civil & Construction Engineering, while Creative Adaptive Thinking is represented by its President and CEO, Mr. Cecilio Fernando Mills Jr.

The Department looks forward to leveraging the new laboratory equipment to advance research in sustainable construction materials, strengthen industry and international collaborations, and produce innovative engineering solutions that contribute to resilient infrastructure development in Kenya and beyond. 

 

See the pictures below for the first batch of equipment received: