Architecture Students Gain Practical Industry Insights
The Department of Architecture at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in collaboration with The Architects Alliance (TAA), organised a workshop for fifth-year Architecture students to enhance their understanding of professional practice and provide practical insights into the architectural profession. The workshop focused on affordable housing, equipping students with practical knowledge and skills…
President of The Architects Alliance (TAA), Dr. Arch. Sylvia Kasanga, engages students during the workshop.
The Department of Architecture at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in collaboration with The Architects Alliance (TAA), organised a workshop for fifth-year Architecture students to enhance their understanding of professional practice and provide practical insights into the architectural profession.
The workshop focused on affordable housing, equipping students with practical knowledge and skills in designing and delivering cost-effective housing solutions that respond to the needs of communities.
Held on 23 September 2026, the workshop brought students together in groups to interact with experienced architects from TAA and explore innovative approaches to affordable housing design.
The students worked on developing future-ready housing concepts that are cost-effective, functional and sustainable, while responding to the growing demand for decent and accessible housing, particularly within the Tatu City area.
Chair of the Department of Architecture, Arch. Wycliff Nyachwaya, and Arch. Rita Wanjiru Mugo showcase some of the books recently donated to the Department.
Speaking during the workshop, Chair of the Department of Architecture, Arch. Wycliff Nyachwaya, said the initiative forms part of the Department’s market-oriented curriculum, which seeks to equip students with practical skills and industry exposure to prepare them for the job market.
“This activity challenges students to design future-ready affordable housing that responds not only to cost and density, but also to emerging questions of climate resilience, smart infrastructure, digital connectivity, walkability, mixed-use neighbourhoods and changing patterns of work and learning,” said Arch. Nyachwaya.
He underscored the importance of exposing students to experienced practitioners, noting that industry engagement enables them to gain practical skills and insights while applying architectural knowledge to real-world challenges. He added that collaboration with industry plays an important role in strengthening students’ design competencies and preparing them for professional practice.
President of TAA, Dr. Arch. Sylvia Kasanga, said the organisation is committed to mentoring architecture students and providing them with opportunities to engage with practising architects and gain practical industry experience.
JKUAT staff and TAA officials following the conclusion of the workshop.
Arch. Kasanga acknowledged the importance of structured mentorship programmes, noting that such initiatives enable students to learn from experienced practitioners, strengthen their professional skills and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of architectural practice.
Studio Coordinator, Arch. Marylyn M. Musyimi, said the engagement was deliberately designed to move learning beyond the studio and into direct conversation with professional practice.
Haggray Mokaya, a fifth-year Architecture student, described the workshop as an eye-opener, noting that the engagement provided valuable exposure to practical aspects of architectural design and affordable housing that complement classroom learning.
Joy Kingori, also a fifth-year Architecture student, said the workshop forms an important part of their academic assessment, providing an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical design challenges while gaining insights from experienced practitioners.
“This event is part of our project requirement and provides us with an opportunity to apply what we have learnt in class to a real-world design context. Working with practising architects has also helped us gain practical insights that will be valuable as we prepare to enter the profession,” said Kingori.
As part of the workshop, students will develop their own architectural design proposals for affordable housing, applying the knowledge and insights gained from the engagement to create practical, cost-effective and sustainable housing solutions.
Architecture Students Strengthen Practical Design Skills.