On 9 July 2025, in a significant step towards enhancing engineering education in Kenya, the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) held a consultative meeting with staff from the Department of Civil & Construction Engineering, University of Nairobi, aimed at aligning the department’s Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering programme with the international standards set by the Washington Accord.

The meeting, which took place recently, was chaired by Prof. Siphila Mumenya and underscored the commitment of both institutions to ensure that engineering graduates from the University of Nairobi possess qualifications recognised globally.

Representing the Department of Civil & Construction Engineering were Prof. Abuodha, Dr. Simpson Osano, and Eng. Muthomi Munyua, who actively contributed to the discussions, sharing insights into the current curriculum structure, teaching methodologies, and areas identified for enhancement.

The Engineers Board of Kenya was represented by Eng. Margaret Ogai, the Registrar, and Eng. Grace Onyango, who provided valuable guidance on the requirements and processes involved in achieving compliance with the Washington Accord. The Accord sets rigorous standards for engineering education programmes, ensuring graduates are prepared to work competently in international engineering practice.

Key Discussion Points:

• Curriculum review to align with Washington Accord graduate attributes.

• Integration of modern engineering practices and technologies into teaching and assessment.

• Strengthening industry linkages to enhance practical training and professional readiness.

• Establishing robust quality assurance and continuous improvement processes.

Prof. Mumenya emphasised the importance of aligning with international standards, stating:

“Achieving Washington Accord compliance is crucial not only for the global recognition of our graduates but also for ensuring that our programme meets the highest standards of quality and relevance.”

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on a roadmap for further collaboration, including follow-up workshops, documentation reviews, and support from EBK to guide the accreditation process.

The Department of Civil & Construction Engineering remains committed to delivering world-class engineering education and is enthusiastic about working closely with EBK to attain this significant milestone. This collaboration marks a positive stride towards positioning the University of Nairobi as a leading institution producing globally competitive engineers.

For further updates on the Washington Accord alignment process, stakeholders and students are encouraged to follow announcements from the department and EBK.