Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) students pursuing Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering have once again showcased their academic excellence on the global stage after emerging among the top performers in an international video lecture competition conducted online and organized by Saint Petersburg Mining University in Russia.
Among teams from Africa that participated in the virtual competition, which ran in April 2026 and culminated in the announcement of winners on May 20, 2026, the JKUAT team comprising Ian Ngumbau Wambua, Shaneal Mumbi Nixon, and Ruth Igunza secured first position in the “Impulse of Knowledge” contest with their innovative presentation on “Waterless Mineral Processing.”
Innovative solution wins top prize
According to the students, “The innovation uses sensor-based sorting and air classification during the beneficiation process. This climate-resilient solution is suitable for both Kenyan mines, addressing the issue of water shortages, and Russian Arctic operations, which face the challenge of slurry freezing.”
The winning streak did not end there, as a second JKUAT team comprising Fredrick Okeyo and Rocky Onunga attained a commendable third-place finish in the international contest.
Students reflect on achievement
Reflecting on the milestone achievement, Ruth Igunza said the competition provided a vital platform to demonstrate that African youth are prepared to develop sustainable technological solutions for the global mining sector.
She added that engaging with world-class technical standards offered the teams valuable validation, proving that despite the geographical distance between Kenya and Russia, they share a universal engineering language.
University applauds performance
Reacting to the JKUAT teams’ performance in Russia, the Chairman of the Department of Mining, Materials and Petroleum Engineering (MMPE), Dr. David Mwangi, said the university’s participation in the competition reinforces its growing influence in global research and innovation spaces.
“Our students’ performance reflects not only their individual brilliance but also the university’s strategic commitment to excellence and the department’s emphasis on sustainable mining practices,” said Dr. Mwangi.
Students urged to seize opportunities
Dr. Mwangi further encouraged students in the department to take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom, noting that such competitions help build confidence, sharpen communication skills, and expose learners to global perspectives.
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He advised Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering students: “Don’t wait until you feel fully ready; start where you are and grow through the experience.”
By Patrick Amunavi
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