Varsity Collaborates with NCWSC in Reservoir Research

Prof. Kahangi and Eng. Gichuki officially launch the reservoir research at Ruiru Dam

Prof. Kahangi and Eng. Gichuki officially launch the reservoir research at Ruiru Dam

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology through the Water, Research and Resource Center (WARREC) has partnered with the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) to undertake a reservoir sedimentation research in the Ruiru reservoir.

Speaking during the launch of the research, July 13, NCWSC Managing Director, Eng. Philip Gichuki lauded JKUAT for the various innovations the university has undertaken, adding the research partnership between the two entities will optimize the utilization of the Ruiru dam as well as increasing the capacity of the water being distributed from the dam.

“This is the first time NCWSC is undertaking reservoir sedimentation survey in the country and it’s my hope that the research will be instrumental in ensuring that we make decisions based on scientific facts that will help us evaluate the benefits and risks in all decisions we make as a company,” said Eng. Gichuki.

Officials are taken through a demonstration of how the Bathymetric survey equipment works

Officials are taken through a demonstration of how the Bathymetric survey equipment works

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Production and Extension), Prof. Esther Kahangi,  acknowledged that applied research was key for the development of the country, adding that through the collaboration, JKUAT aims to build on research that will provide insights into water and sewer management in Kenya.

“As much as the information from this survey will be used to establish the current status of the reservoir in terms of sedimentation, there is need to accurately document the findings and produce quality publications for future use,” said Prof. Kahangi,

WARREC Director, Prof. Bancy Mati, thanked the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) for the assistance in acquiring the equipment for reservoir research – the Bathymetric Survey equipment which consists of dual Jon-boats, vibro-coring equipment and core tube.

Prof. Mati further said, the equipment will be used to recover in-situ, cores of sediment from the reservoir bottom for laboratory analysis which will be instrumental in establishing the reservoir volume and its sedimentation status.

Present during the launch were staff members from both JKUAT and NCWS who were elated by the prospects of the research initiative.

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