ABOUT PAUSTI

The Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) prides itself as a postgraduate hub of research and innovation featuring a highly diverse faculty, and students drawn from whole of Africa.

PAUSTI which is hosted at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Nairobi, Kenya, opened its doors to the pioneer students in November 2012. The inaugural cohort graduated in record time in November 2014.

The Institute is mandated to produce leaders and innovators in the fields of Mathematics, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Civil Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Mechatronic Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

PAUSTI continues to attract highly talented and motivated students from across Africa. It encourages the students to leverage local wisdom, knowledge and resources; and generate cutting edge knowledge that could be harnessed to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to Africa’s socio-economic challenges.

Campus

PAUSTI has a strong pool of highly qualified academic and technical staff who guide the students through various research projects and programmes towards Africa’s socio-economic transformation. The laboratories are equipped with modern equipment to facilitate both basic and applied research. The Students are expected to undertake research on pertinent challenges related to their countries of origin and the African continent generally. Students are also encouraged to develop products in their research and guided through a robust intellectual property protection framework.

PAUSTI PROGRAMMES

1.0 Preamble

Civil Engineering problems in Africa are unique and require specific solutions. The current training modules are not well adapted to address the local problem. The problems range from environmental, transportation, structural, construction, and water conservation, among others. This program considers the unique requirements on the continent.  It is intended to produce personnel with suitable qualification and/or professional skills who will be able to address specific fields of Civil Engineering by use of local resources, knowledge and innovations towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The program is designed to help candidates develop the ability to pursue independent research, scholarly work and innovations that have practical applications. 

In addition, a broad range of seminars will be organized by means of invited speakers, excursions to relevant places and projects, project and theme discussions, site and/or company visits, etc. Students are required to participate actively in the organised seminars.

2.0 Objectives

The objectives of the program are:

  1. To enhance skills for effective and sustainable development and implementation of engineering systems.
  2. To broaden the career potential of individuals through training and research and innovation.
  3. To develop a broad, multi-disciplinary and integrative approach for solutions of engineering problems.

Preamble 

This program is designed to produce researchers, innovators, trainers and experts   in the field of Civil Engineering for technological, social and economic transformation of Africa.


Objectives

The objective of this program is to produce qualified researchers, innovators and trainers and experts in the field of Civil Engineering for social and economic transformation of Africa. The program intends to develop future leaders of the civil engineering profession by imparting complimentary skills in the area of business and entrepreneurship.  By developing links with the industry, the program will facilitate a multi-disciplinary project oriented learning environment.

Preamble 

Electrical engineering expertise is essential for rapid industrialization. Africa lacks adequate number of specialists in the field of electrical engineering in which it has continued to rely heavily on foreign expertise and technology.  As a result, the African Continent has lagged behind in the development of relevant and sustainable solutions to technical problems. In order to realize rapid industrialization, Africa must invest in the development of specialists, in the field of electrical engineering, with adequate technical, managerial, research and innovative skills to undertake responsible roles and analyze, evaluate and provide solutions to practical problems facing the continent. This programme addresses the development of experts in the field of electrical engineering by offering a course leading to award of a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

This programme has specializations which the candidates will be required to choose by selecting the appropriate optional units. The specializations are Power Systems Engineering, Control and Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering. These specializations are essential for rapid industrialization, which Africa lacks most in the field of electrical engineering.  

This programme is designed to produce an electrical engineering professional, who is an innovator and has managerial skills for transforming Africa into an industrialized continent. In addition, the programme is designed to produce graduates with the ability to pursue independent research and scholarly work. The courses offered are tailored to meet the requirements for the industries and institutions for Africa's long term development for economic growth.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this programme is to produce qualified Electrical Engineers with specialized technical, managerial, research and innovative skills and who can demonstrate individual accomplishment of high professional and academic standards.

The following are the programme objectives of the Master of Science programme in Electrical Engineering:

  1. Enhance the knowledge and design skills in Electrical Engineering through highly specialized advanced training
  2. Develop managerial and leadership skills necessary for managing engineering projects 
  3. Develop skills for scientific research through training in research methodology and rigorous research leading to an MSc thesis.
  4. Provide innovative and entrepreneurial skills for development of home-grown solutions to Electrical Engineering problems.

Recognizing that society is technology based and highly dependent on technology and innovation, engineers have immensely shaped modern culture and technology, leading to giant strides in human development. However, rapid transformation and industrialization of the global environment now requires engineers to re-engineer their practice to be in tandem with modern times. Specialists who have adequate technical, managerial, research and innovative skills in the particular fields that contribute to industrial development will necessary.  Sustainable electric power, and reliable and efficient telecommunication, control and computer systems are some of the major drivers towards this development.

This PhD programme prepares the professionals the Electrical Engineering industry is demanding: from the engineers and entrepreneurs who will create new Electrical systems and companies; to the researchers and theoreticians who will advance the science and technology behind these systems. It provides students with intensive advanced training in research that leads to the highest level of scholarly achievement, contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and enable them to conduct research independently to address new challenges as innovators.

In addition, this doctoral programme is designed to satisfy the demands for researchers posed by higher education institutions, industry, the society and the governments through building national research and university capacity within the African continent.

  1. Aims and objectives

The aim of this programme is to produce qualified researchers, innovators, educators and consultants in the field of Electrical Engineering for social and economic transformation of Africa. This is through the accomplishment of independent and original research work, the reporting thereof in a research thesis and a subsequent oral defense. The following are the programme objectives for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering:

  1. Develop skills for scientific research through training in research methodology and rigorous research leading to a PhD thesis.
  2. Enhance the knowledge and design skills in Electrical Engineering through highly specialized advanced training.
  3. Provide innovative and entrepreneurial skills for development of home-grown solutions to Africa’s problems.

Preamble

The main goal of the programme is to prepare students for independent research work, that would enable them attract scientific funds and also pursue advanced postdoctoral programme in an appropriate area of mathematics. Nevertheless, such an in-depth and rigorous programme of study will also equip students who so desire to pursue a career in other areas of research, such as natural sciences or engineering, or to work in business or industry.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this programme is to provide students with both firm and comprehensive knowledge, in theory and practical, in areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, Mathematical Statistics and Financial mathematics needed for top level scientific, technological and administrative development of African countries. On completion of the programme, students will be ready to embark upon a PhD or   take up positions in mathematics related research institutions, in industry or in academia.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the M.Sc., the students will have a strong and solid foundation in Computational Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Financial Mathematics and have some experience of more focused independent work in one specific area. They will have some idea of the open research problems in these areas and will be fully qualified and ready to embark on a PhD programme.  In particular, they will be ideally placed  to  contribute  to scientific, technological and economic development in Africa.

Preamble

The main goal of the programme is to prepare students for independent research work, that would enable them attract scientific funds and also pursue advanced postdoctoral programme in an appropriate area of mathematics. Nevertheless, such an in-depth and rigorous programme of study will also equip students who so desire to pursue a career in other areas of research, such as natural sciences or engineering, or to work in business or industry.

Aims and Objectives 

The aim of this programme is to provide students with ample time   to   make independent contributions to scientific knowledge in areas of Computational Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics and Financial Mathematics. On completion of the programme, students will be capable of leading research at universities or take up positions in research institutions, in industry or in academia.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Ph.D. programme, students will have had an established area of future research either in Computational Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics or Financial Mathematics, with strong links with other scientist in their areas of research. They   will be more experienced and capable of conducting independent research work in their research areas. They will be ideally placed to contribute to scientific, technological and economic development in Africa. 

Preamble 

 

Biotechnologyis a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses to develop bio-products to meet the human needs. Molecular Biology aims at understanding the molecular basis of biological activity (micro-organisms, human, animal, plant etc).  It is a multi-disciplinary subject that creates understanding of the interactions between the various systems as well as possible manipulations. 

Training in biotechnology and molecular biology will provide competencies that will contribute towards development and improving the character of bio-products. As such, relevant areas of molecular biology will be selected in an effort to provide knowledge appropriate to the attainment of capacity directed towards providing local solutions to problems of food security, environmental sustainability, energy and health. Research arising from these areas is geared towards improving, food security, health and environmental conservation. 

The PhD program will be undertaken within JKUAT PAUSTI institute. It will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge required to transform natural resources and their livelihoods. It is envisaged that students graduating from this programme will have attained the necessary competency to face the challenges that abound in local and international agencies and research institutions, Government agencies, industry and academia where their contribution is greatly needed.

This program is designed to produce individuals who are researchers, innovators, trainers and consultants in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.  

 

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this program is to produce qualified researchers, innovators, trainers and consultants in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology for economic transformation of Africa. 

Preamble

One of the major professional fields that can facilitate technological innovations for Africa’s transformation is mechanical engineering which is one of the most diversified and dynamically evolving engineering disciplines.   Mechanical engineers design and build machines, systems and devices that enable humans to live and work on the ground, in space, in the air and under water.  Their machines can extend our physical capabilities, improve our health and standard of living, and impact the environment in which we live.  Much of what all engineers can or cannot do depends on the materials that are available for their tasks.  Thus, mechanical engineers are also involved in studying and modifying not only mechanical properties, but also chemical and electrical properties to develop new applications possible.  Almost every aspect of our modern world is in some way a product of mechanical engineering, from power stations and oil refineries to steel plants and manufacturing industries.

This graduate programme of Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering is designed to produce a mechanical engineering professional, who is an innovator and has managerial skills for social and economic transformation of Africa.   In addition, the programme is de- signed to produce graduates with the ability to pursue independent research and scholarly work.  The courses offered are tailored to meet the requirements for the industries and institutions for Africa’s long term development for economic growth.   Through this programme, employees from industries, state corporations, and public/private universities across Africa will be trained.

The graduate program mixes engineering practice with analysis, and addresses the following critical broad areas of emphasis in mechanical engineering:   Applied mechanics, materials engineering, thermal engineering, fluid engineering, energy systems, industrial engineering, production engineering and engineering product design.  Therefore, this programme of Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, will be offered in any of the following specialized areas of mechanical engineering:

AimsandObjectives

The aim of this programme is to produce qualified Mechanical Engineers with specialized technical, managerial, research and innovative skills. The objectives of the Master of Science programme in Mechanical Engineering are:

  1. To provide the students with an understanding of the advanced engineering tools and concepts that apply to mechanical engineering.
  2. To prepare the student to perform independent research in the area of mechanical engineering.
  3. To prepare students to practice engineering at an advanced level
  4. To prepare students to pursue doctoral studies in mechanical engineering or a related field. (e)  To develop student’s communication skills and professionalism.
  5. To develop the student’s managerial and leadership skills necessary for managing engineering projects and firms.
  6. To equip the students with design, innovative and entrepreneurship skills for development of home-grown solutions to Africa’s problems.

Introduction

Technological innovation plays an important role in economic growth and competitiveness of any country.    Over half of the global economic growth since the end of World War II can be directly attributed to technological innovation.  Mostly, technological innovation leads to product development which consequently lead to manufacturing-based industries. Other than job creation, the manufacturing-based industries also contribute to the patents and balance of trade, all of which are critical in the economic growth of any country.

This graduate programme of Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering is designed to produce a mechanical engineering researcher, who is an innovator and has managerial skills for social and economic transformation of Africa.  In addition, the programme is designed to provide students with intensive advanced training in research that leads to the highest level of scholarly achievement, while contributing to the existing body of knowledge, and enable them to conduct research independently to address new challenges as innovators. The courses offered are tailored to meet the requirements for the industries and institutions for Africa’s long term development for economic growth.

In addition, this doctoral programme is designed to satisfy the demands for researchers posed by higher education institutions, industry, the society and the governments through building international academic and research capacity   within the African continent.   Through this programme, employees from industries, state corporations, and public/private universities across Africa will be trained.

AimsandObjectives

The aim of this programme   is to produce qualified researchers, innovators, educators and consultants in the field of Mechanical Engineering for social and economic transformation of Africa.  This is through the accomplishment of independent and original research work, the reporting thereof in a research thesis and a subsequent oral defense. The objectives of the Doctor of Philosophy programme in Mechanical Engineering are:

  1. To provide the students with an understanding of the advanced engineering tools and concepts that apply to mechanical engineering.
  2. To prepare the student to perform independent research in the area of mechanical engineering.
  3. To prepare students to practice engineering at an advanced level
  4. To develop student’s communication skills and professionalism.
  5. To develop the student’s managerial and leadership skills necessary for managing engineering projects and firms.
  6. To equip the students with design, innovative and entrepreneurship skills for development of home-grown solutions to Africa’s problems.

Library Services

PAUSTI students and staff have access to a large pool of academic resources at the host university (JKUAT Library); accessible both online and offline. The volumes include key texts for various thematic subjects and databases of peer reviewed journals.

Staff

Prof. Gabriel Magoma, PAUSTI Director

Prof. Gabriel Magoma has served at the helm of the East African hub of the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) since 2011. A professor of Biochemistry, Magoma’s solid academic, research and leadership background, has enabled him to steer and reposition PAUSTI as a veritable source of cutting edge knowledge and highly qualified graduates for Africa’s socio-economic transformation. 

Prof. Magoma has over the years demonstrated diverse set of competencies in planning, organization and execution of academic programs and activities. With an open door policy in management of PAUSTI affairs, the Director has created a high energy environment within the Institute; motivating both staff and students to achieve optimum results.

Prof. Magoma’s resource mobilization acumen has seen him enlisted as a key member of the government of Kenya’s Inter-Ministerial committees on Pan African University including: Ministry of Education; Treasury; and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also serves in the Consortium of Donors for the PAU (EU, GIZ, JICA and AfDB); and the INTRA ACP research consortium.

With over 20 years of active teaching, and research experience, Prof. Magoma has published 28 papers in peer reviewed journals and supervised 12 PhD and several MSc students in the area of Biochemical Genetics. In addition, the World Bank Voucher training program beneficiary and DAAD scholar has three book titles and a book chapter to his name.

An alumnus of University of Nairobi where he obtained his first and second degrees in Biochemistry, Prof. Magoma earned his doctorate degree in Biochemistry from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2001. In order to enhance his leadership and management skills, Prof. Magoma earned Executive Master of Science degree in Organizational Development from the United States International University in 2010.