More professionals are needed in the mining engineering sector

Dr Muchiri graduated with a doctorate degree in mining engineering in 2018 from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. This was the culmination of a dream held from 2006 when he joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) as a first year student.

His is the first such academic feat in Kenya. He tells us what his new status means to the country’s mining industry.

You are the first PhD holder in mining engineering in Kenya. What does this milestone mean to you and to the profession?

I am one of the six pioneers of the course in Kenya. My colleagues chose different paths after our undergraduate degrees but I soldiered on to the doctorate level. I am passionate about mining and I have enjoyed the journey through academia as a researcher and as an educator. This means that there is now enhanced capacity in the profession. I will be able to bring in new knowledge to the sector through teaching and research.

Having had the exposure in Australia and South Africa, both mining giants, I will help to build the capacity for Kenya’s future generations of mining engineers.

What exceptional experiences have you had in your long academic journey?

I have earned my academic credentials from three different countries. I did my undergraduate degree in mining at JKUAT before studying for my Masters at Curtin University in Australia. I later went to the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa for my PhD. I saw an actual mine for the first time while studying in Australia. The experience was life-changing, as I could finally relate with what I had covered in class. I visited the Super Pit gold mine at Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

Measuring 3.5 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres wide and over 600 meters deep, it is the second largest mine in the world and one of the few manmade structures that can be viewed clearly from space. While in South Africa, I had the opportunity to tour platinum mines, including Marikana Mine. South Africa is the world’s largest producer of platinum. I cherish these experiences.

How have your many years in the scholarly world shaped your outlook of life?

Research work over the years has helped to harness my prowess in solving problems. The intense nature of research helps to appreciate concentration and hard work as you seek solutions to tackle various issues that affect people’s daily lives. The world of academia is not removed from normal life, it teaches you how to face ordinary setbacks. Through research, I am now a better “problem solver” who believes that a solution exists for every problem in life. I have applied this philosophy in my scholarly journey and in real life.

Kenya is heavily dependent on imported technology yet many local institutions offer technology courses. What are we not doing right?

There is less funding for technology innovations here unlike in developed or other developing countries where research in technology is a priority. This lack of incentives keeps many professionals from venturing into research despite there being a huge potential for exploitation. We end up relying on solutions that have been created elsewhere.

How can this situation be remedied?

The public and private sectors must work together in synergy for research opportunities and reward researchers. There should be an increase in funding for research to motivate exceptional research output. That way, we would have more people daring into technical fields and research.

What opportunities exist for exploitation in this profession?

There are multiple opportunities in academia, consultancy and in the mining industry. These include working in mining companies, manufacturing of mining equipment and supplies and working as a researcher or educator in universities. You could also work in the inspectorate within the government’s department of mining. You may also choose to be self-employed by becoming an independent consultant of mines in various areas.

Is the pool of professionals in Kenya enough to exploit the country’s full mining potential?

There is a shortage of professionals in the mining engineering sector, not only in the country, but even worldwide. Kenya is a new mining country, and, therefore, it is sensible that we get guidance and the support of professionals from countries that have an active mining sector.

Most Kenyan graduates prefer to look for jobs soon after their first degree. How does this ultimately affect the creation of new knowledge in the country?

When graduates go into employment, this takes away manpower from research. The amount of new knowledge created in various academic fields is thus reduced. The academia is handsomely rewarded in countries that produce ground-breaking research findings. This makes it lucrative to pursue. It is different here because of fewer incentives, which compels graduates to join the workforce to sustain themselves financially.

There should be focus on increasing funding opportunities for researchers, to motivate them to take up a second or third degree to bolster our knowledge base.

Are there times when you have failed? How did you deal with this failure?

During my first year at university, I took up Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exams. I ended up failing in my chemistry module as a result of the pressure. I was obviously devastated because this module was the core of my course. In response, I quit the accounting course and decided to focus on my mining course, which was more important to me. This ultimately paid off. I have never understood why I had burdened myself too much to date.