UoN hosts the Green Jobs Career Fair and Conference
The University of Nairobi (UoN) hosted a two-day Green Jobs Career Fair and Conference on February 20th and 21st, 2025, at the University Towers, focusing on the theme "Energy, Adaptation, Policy." The event brought together various stakeholders and over 40 exhibitors to explore opportunities and challenges in the Renewable Energy Sector.
Mr. John Ireri, Dean of Students and Career Services, highlighted the career opportunities emerging in green economies. "Here at the University of Nairobi, we are taking the lead in exposing our graduates to emerging global trends," he said, emphasizing how this preparation equips students for their future careers. Hosting a Green jobs Career Fair and Conference aligns with the recently launched Chancellor's 'Big 5' Initiatives.
Professor Eng. Siphila Mumenya, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, lauded the initiative. "Our students are setting the standard, proving that academia and industry must work hand in hand. This conference presents an opportunity to interact with experts and seize the potential within the green economy," she said, before officially declaring the conference open.
The conference discussions centered on energy, emphasizing the urgent need to shape a sustainable world for current and future generations. During a notable panel discussion, George Aluru, CEO of the Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK), and Jeffery Mbugua from Vivo Energy explored the topic "Empowering Tomorrow: Expanding Energy Generation Capacity and Cultivating Prosumers in Kenya's Green Energy Shift." Their discussion highlighted that successful green initiatives require both financial partnerships and robust sustainability strategies.
Participants stressed the importance of raising awareness among communities, policymakers, and industries to achieve a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The conference urged attendees to take bold action and embrace climate change mitigation efforts.
A key highlight was the MARAMOJA Taxi Hackathon Challenge, where eight teams competed to develop solutions for e-mobility adoption in East Africa. Among the three winning teams, UoN's project "Mech Mkononi" secured the runners-up position. The team developed an application that connects electric vehicle (EV) motorists with trained mechanics and charging points, addressing a crucial challenge in eco-friendly transportation.
The innovative app facilitates stakeholder engagement by recruiting mechanics and providing specialized EV maintenance training. It also features a customer feedback system to ensure service quality and continuous improvement.
The winning teams will collaborate with Uzuzi, the County Government of Nairobi, and MARAMOJA Taxi to transform their projects into profitable ventures.
The conference provided valuable insights into climate change mitigation, with stakeholders contributing significant perspectives on energy sector development, adaptation strategies, and policy-making. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to building a sustainable future through collective action.
The three teams will have a collaboration with Uzuzi, and Nairobi County Government as well as MARAMOJA Taxi to see their projects actualized to profit making venture.
The conference was rich in insights on climate change mitigation. Contributions from various stakeholders were invaluable—not only for the energy sector and adaptation strategies but also for policymakers. Ultimately, the event reinforced the call to action for all of us to shape a sustainable future.
