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Saturday, July 4, 2020

The University of Nairobi in partnership with China Communications and Construction Company, (CCCC) could soon set up an Engineering Research and Development Laboratory (R&D Lab). CCCC is the parent company which owns China Road and Bridge Company (CRBC), which is famous for the construction of mega structures in Kenya including the SGR.

This was revealed during a meeting between the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama and CCCC General Manager Mr. Li Changgui.

Mr. Li Changgui. opined that as a company, they have set up several R & D Labs across the globe and it is a high time that they set up in Kenya. Such a lab will serve as the regional headquarters serving South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

China Communications and Construction Company started its operations in Kenya in 1984 and together with its sister company, China Harbour Engineering Company, (CHEC), they have been very instrumental in the construction of roads, bridges, railways and dams across the globe. According to the General Manager, their flagship project in Kenya, the standard gauge railway, was voted by the BBC as one of the best railway for sightseeing. The Company has also been contracted to construct the Express Highway between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and James Gichuru Junction. The company is also implementing the Floating Bridge at the Likoni Channel.

Speaking during a courtesy call to the CRBC offices, Prof. Kiama observed that the University is endowed with highly qualified faculty comprising of professors from civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and architecture, who would be keen to be part of the project. When fully implemented, the R&D Lab will be very key in material testing. One of the major undoing of those in the construction industry is using materials which are not of high quality. This has contributed significantly, to the collapse of several buildings in the country. With an R&D lab in place, such calamities could easily be avoided.

The General Manager revealed that the R&D team, based in Beijing was more than ready to roll out the project, but things have slowed down due to COVID19.

Going forward, it was proposed that a joint workshop would be held in the next few months. The workshop will bring together academicians and the industry as they share ideas and experiences.

The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Director of Corporate Affairs Mr. John Orindi and the Personal Assistant to VC Mr. Peter Wekesa.