Our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, captures a moment with Dr. Joseph Mwiti (Project Lead – Clay-based cement project), Andrew Nyabuto and Ismael Kithinji

Meet our member of staff, Andrew Nyabuto, from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and our Master of Science in Chemistry student, Ismael Kithinji Kinoti, from the Department of Physical Sciences in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences (SPAS). The two were granted scholarships by the Laboratory of Construction Materials, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne -EPFL) in Switzerland in the framework of the Clay-based cement project to participate in an advanced training on Characterization methods adapted to Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC³) in Switzerland.  Andrew is conducting research on the effect of plant based concrete admixture on properties of self-compacting Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC³) concrete, while Ismael is working on the development of clay-based nanocomposites for industrial applications.

Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have very high growth rates in population and urbanization. As a consequence, the demand for construction materials is increasing rapidly. Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC³) is an answer to these challenges. LC³ is a new type of cement that is based on a blend of limestone and calcined clay. LC³ can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 40%.  It is made using limestone and low-grade clays which are available in abundant quantities.  It is also cost effective and does not require capital intensive modifications to existing cement plant. LC³ is, therefore, a breakthrough technology to lower the environmental impact of cement and concrete. Due to lower production cost, it is making housing and infrastructure more affordable. The LC³ technology is ideal for production of cement with low clinker fraction which promotes low carbon dioxide emissions and whilst providing low cost cement for developing countries. The project is one of the University’s key flagship research and innovation projects aimed at promotion of affordable housing and manufacturing sectors in Kenya. The project is also a great milestone in efforts geared towards green transition to NetZero carbon emissions in the cement industry.

Our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, while briefing the student and staff who were set to travel to Switzerland reiterated the University’s strong support for research, innovation and internationalization of academic and research activities. He emphasized the need to embrace research and innovation as a viable option for job creation in the country among other benefits.