The Department of Energy Systems in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovation at Mzuzu University is currently on a learning visit to various facilities in the energy sector in Kenya.

Led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Wapulumuka Mulwafu, the team today undertook a visit of the Energy Research Centre at Strathmore University’s Keri Campus. During the visit, the department interacted with colleagues at the Centre on its various activities including power generation, training programmes in renewable energy, research and consultancy activities.

The Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC) was established in 2012. It provides professional training, laboratory testing and project management for the renewable energy sector in Kenya. These are activities similar to those offered by the Department of Energy Systems at Mzuzu University under its Testing and Training Centre for Renewable Energy Technologies (TCRET). Through its solar system, SERC generates 0.6MW which is consumed within the University, resulting in over 30% of savings on electricity bills. Excess power during off-peak demand in the University, is fed into the national grid through a Power Purchase Agreement it has with the Kenya Electricity Generating Company.

The visit will also take the Department of Energy Systems to the Menengai Geothermal Project under the Geothermal Development Company, Olkaria Geothermal Power Station and the Ngong Wind Farm operated by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company and the Centre for the Development of Electronic Devices under the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

Renewable Energy (RE) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are two priority areas under the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project currently being implemented by Mzuzu University with funding from the World Bank. Through the project, Mzuzu University will strengthen its expertise in the two areas, develop incubation centres, improve its existing programmes and introduce new ones to be offered through both face-to-face and distance learning modes.

The visit to Kenya underscores the internationalisation drive by MZUNI which is implementing 2021-2030 Strategic Plan titled Unlocking the Full Potential of Mzuzu University: Towards a More Credible, Competitive and Responsive University in the 21^st Century. Pillar 4 of the strategic plan is internationalisation and cooperation which aims at strengthening the global knowledge and ability to interconnect.