Madam Engineer Member Spotlight

Name: Faith Mawia

Profession: A civil engineer, academician, and a PhD research scholar, mother and wife.

Life growing up

I grew up from in the ASAL Kitui, Kenya. Kitui is faced with challenges of poor access to water, hunger, and poverty.  From an early age I felt there is a different way to live. As early as 5 years old, I noticed women were unfairly treated, overburdened with domestic chores, had little or no income generating activities and lived miserably. That did not sit well with me. I promised myself to work hard in school and shape my future differently.

Motivation for Engineering:

I have been a fast learner back from primary school. My interest in civil engineering sparked around class 6 having no desire of conforming to societal limitations. When my sisters joined high school and started saying that math and physics were difficult subjects, I told myself I shall pursue physics and prove them wrong. True to my words, physics was my best subject. I passed my KCSE from St. Angela’s girls’ school, Kitui and I ended up pursuing BSc. civil engineering degree at JKUAT.

My Civil Engineering Career Journey

After my BSc. Degree, I worked in Machakos county department of roads before winning a scholarship to pursue my Master’s degree in 2016. During the same period, I co-founded a construction engineering company, End engineering, which engaged in various constructions projects in Kitui county and Nairobi between 2016 and 2020. My MSc civil engineering (environment &ASAL) degree jointly by Pan African University (PAU) &JKUAT was sponsored by African Union (AU). My Master’s thesis sparked a desire in research. I was intrigued by data collection, analysis, and contribution to knowledge and solutions.

I got convinced that indeed Africa is sufficient in solving its own problems. We only need the right skills, knowledge, and approach to turn our problems into solutions.

My journey as an academician started in 2020 when I joined the newly established school of engineering in SEKU. I served as the founding chairperson of civil engineering department and just like a new baby, I had to nurture and set the momentum correct. I found myself at the center of decision making where solutions were sought from me.  The department rolled out three programs (1 BSc. and 2 TVET diploma programmes) successfully. I was happy to set up a new department and make it running from revising curriculum, submission for accreditation, time tabling, setting department goals, mission, vision, and everything that is needed to make an academic department functional. While serving as a founding chair, SEKU rebirthed a new leader in me who can think on her feet.  I later won a RSIF-PASET PhD scholarship to pursue my PhD at institute, 2iE in Burkina Faso which am currently pursuing from May 2022.

Being an exceptional researcher, I secured a research mobility at RAPSODEE Centre, IMT mines Albi, France where I was exposed to world class research activities in Biomass and biochar. During my stay in France, I noticed a different approach to research, being the core to industrial development. The research centers collaborate with industries to refine their products and offer practical solutions. They do not import solution or escape their problem; they look for solution.

My current research dwells in transformation of agricultural waste into tailor-made biochars targeted for application in Arid areas of Africa with aim of improving soil productivity, reduce water use and serve as a permanent storage of carbon.

My research Interests

I have research interests in bio-waste valorisation, green energy, carbon sequestration and circular economy systems. I envision a circular economy system approach in transforming Africa into a green economy.

What drives me

I take every role and responsibility accorded to me as service to humanity. I serve with the same passion I would serve my creator. I love being part of the solution and not the problem. I get an inner fulfilment when I set a goal and achieve it. Am also keen to leave a lasting impression on the importance of creating a space for women in STEM.

Things close to my heart

I enjoy sharing knowledge, mentoring young girls to join and advance their careers in STEM, travelling. Nature is therapeutic and revives my spirits.

Parting shot

If you believe you can, then act on it you will achieve it.