Nairobi: Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is providing Egerton University students with practical training using modern land surveying tools and instruments, crucial for road and highway construction, to address the industrial skills gap and enhance the graduates’ employability.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Japheth Onyando, emphasized that the training aims to equip students with practical skills in using surveying techniques such as total stations, theodolites, leveling instruments, and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The hands-on approach involves setting up and operating equipment, making observations, and processing data. Students also learn to conduct various types of surveys, including topographic, control, and construction surveys.
Prof. Onyando explained that the training is designed to prepare students for real-world construction projects, ensuring they become job-ready and valuable to employers and the industry. The program, in collaboration with KeNHA, aligns with industry standards and best practices, ensuring that students develop necessary skills and knowledge for success in the field.
The dean highlighted the shift from a purely academic model to a practice-centered approach in engineering training, preparing students for industry needs. The practical experience ensures students understand data collection and interpretation, applying it to real-world situations to produce accurate and safe road projects. KeNHA experts are providing hands-on instruction, ensuring students learn industry standards.
According to KeNHA, a total station is a surveying instrument that combines an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance measuring device (EDM) to measure horizontal and vertical angles and distances. It is used to collect data for detailed maps, plans, and 3D models, making it a vital tool in construction, engineering, and land surveying projects.
Prof. Onyando emphasized the importance of practical training, which exposes students to real-world problems, compelling them to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. Surveyors use GPS receivers to collect crucial data for mapping, construction layout, and monitoring structural movement. Total stations and GPS are essential for precise measurements and data collection, critical for accurate road and highway project planning and execution.
The collaboration with KeNHA strengthens the initiative by providing students with real-world expertise and resources. Students have performed leveling activities, determining heights using tools like dumpy levels and leveling staffs, essential for setting road levels and managing cut and fill. They also learn to collect, process, and present geospatial data, vital for engineering projects like road construction.
Prof. Onyando noted that the correct use of theodolites, total stations, and GPS is fundamental in ensuring roads and highways are built to the correct dimensions and specifications. Hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical concepts learned in the classroom, solidifying their understanding and developing practical skills. Proper use of survey tools and instruments requires safety protocols and precision, ensuring students develop crucial skills and habits for a safe and accurate construction process.