Empowering Future Engineers: A Transformative Career Guidance & Student Wellness Forum for Engineering Students

The University of Nairobi’s Office of Career Services, hosted a dynamic and inspiring Career Guidance and Student Wellness Forum for Engineering students on Friday Novemebr 21, 2025 from 11.00am to 1.00pm.  The event was designed to equip engineering students with the tools, insights, and motivation they need to thrive both academically and professionally.

The program opened with a brief prayer led by a volunteer student, setting a reflective tone for a day centered on growth, purpose, and student support.

In her opening remarks, Naomi Nyaboga, Section Head at the Office of Career Services, emphasized the University’s commitment to nurturing holistic graduates, students who are not only technically prepared but also emotionally and socially grounded.

This message was echoed by Mr. Johnson Kinyua, the Dean of Students, who reminded learners that success in engineering requires resilience, discipline, and support systems both inside and outside the classroom.

The Associate Dean, Prof. (Eng.) Duncan Onyango Mbuge, further encouraged students to seize the many academic and professional opportunities available within the faculty, highlighting the institution’s ongoing efforts to empower future engineers.

The session on student life by Lucy Kamau, Assistant Dean of Students (Faculty of Engineering), brought valuable insights into the realities learners face on campus. She addressed common challenges, academic pressure, transition issues, wellbeing concerns, and took students through available support structures while inspiring them to take advantage of the rich opportunities offered at the University.

One of the day’s major highlights was a powerful mentorship session facilitated by top industry leaders. First, Eng. Barbara A. Adhoch, CEO of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK), delivered a compelling talk titled “Making Your Engineering Degree Work for You: Connecting Academic Learning to Real-World Career Opportunities.”
She guided students on how to leverage their coursework, industrial attachments, and extracurriculars to build competitive engineering careers. She further outlined the career pathways for the different Engineering disciplines at UoN.

This was followed by a joint session with Harrison Wanjama (Safaricom/Ericsson Account Manager) and Jemimah Mutunge (Solution Architect, Ericsson) titled “Beyond the Classroom: Building the Technical and Professional Skills Employers Value in Engineers.”

They shared practical tips on emerging technologies, workplace expectations, innovation, and the critical importance of communication and teamwork in engineering roles.

Samantha Ariri, Project Assistant for UNESCO’s Education for Health and Well-being (O3 Plus) initiative, gave an insightful presentation on the project’s wellness interventions. She highlighted available resources supporting students’ mental health, reproductive health, and overall wellbeing, underscoring the direct link between wellness and academic performance.

Students engaged actively during the Q&A moderated by Naomi Nyaboga, raising thoughtful questions on career pathways, emerging engineering trends, and wellness concerns. The feedback session provided valuable insights that will inform future student programs.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Jackson Mbithi, Governor of the Faculty of Engineering, before attendees enjoyed refreshments and networking.

The Career Guidance & Wellness Forum not only empowered students with career clarity but also opened honest conversations about wellbeing and professional conduct. Through industry partnerships and collaborative student support, the University of Nairobi continues to shape well-rounded engineers ready to innovate and lead.