At the new Schneider Electric East Africa head office in Nairobi, Kenya, the future is visible in every system operating behind the scenes. What makes this project particularly noteworthy is the technology deployed throughout the building and the people who designed, integrated and commissioned it.
Much of the electrical infrastructure, automation, lighting control and building management functionality was implemented by young engineers who are only a few years out of university. These are professionals who were trusted with real responsibility, exposed to advanced technologies and supported to solve operational challenges in a live environment. The result is both a testament to the success of Schneider Electric’s graduate and early careers programmes, and a practical example of how hands-on engineering experience can accelerate capability and confidence.
A living lab for innovation
The Nairobi office was designed to function as a ‘living lab’, an environment where customers, partners and employees can experience connected technologies operating in real time.
One of the engineers who helped bring this vision to life was Jonathan Gichana. In Gichana’s words, the ambition was to create “a smart environment where visitors could not only see Schneider Electric’s solutions, but interact directly with them.”
The office runs on a unified building management platform that integrates electrical systems, UPS, HVAC, fire safety, environmental monitoring and lighting. Gichana and the wider team played a key role in delivering this. The centralised approach improves efficiency, reliability and sustainability throughout the facility. Sensors track air quality, CO2, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide levels, as well as temperature and humidity, while occupancy monitoring helps optimise comfort and energy use. Automated controls adjust lighting and HVAC systems in real time to suit changing conditions.
One integration that stands out is the connection between the HVAC systems and window sensors. If a window is opened while air conditioning is running, cooling in that area is automatically disabled to prevent unnecessary energy consumption. It is a straightforward, but effective, example of how intelligent technologies can drive sustainability in practical ways.
Learning by building
For many graduate engineers, the transition from theory to implementation can take years. On this project, that learning happened in real time.
Alban Wainaina, who worked closely with Gichana on the building management deployment, joined through Schneider Electric’s graduate programme. Fresh from university, he found himself working with advanced automation systems, integrating technologies for the first time, and solving practical engineering challenges on site. Wainaina describes the experience as “both challenging and highly educational.” That combination is often where the most valuable growth takes place.
Like many of the young engineers involved in the project, Wainaina spent time configuring systems, troubleshooting integrations and analysing operational data, with these not simulated exercises but the live systems that would support the daily operations of a commercial facility. Experiences like these bridge the gap between understanding digital transformation conceptually and delivering it in practice. They also build the confidence and problem-solving skills that will be critical for the engineers shaping East Africa’s future infrastructure.
Engineering skills for a digital future
East Africa’s infrastructure future will depend not only on investment in technology, but also on the people who can design, manage and optimise increasingly connected systems. Buildings are becoming smarter, energy systems more digitalised, and operations more data-driven. This requires engineers whose skills combine traditional electrical expertise with software, automation and sustainability.
Elizabeth Omae joined Schneider Electric directly after university and played an important role in deploying the office’s lighting control systems. Through training, mentorship and hands-on project involvement, she developed expertise in lighting controls, KNX protocol configuration, commissioning and energy management. Her work included configuring automated lighting systems with presence sensors, allowing spaces to adapt to occupancy levels. Lights dim or switch off in unoccupied areas, improving energy efficiency while maintaining a comfortable environment for building occupants.
Omae’s experience highlights an important lesson about talent development. The project demonstrated, in her words, “the value of continuous learning and organisational support.” Innovation is driven by creating an environment where talented people can learn, grow and apply their skills with confidence.
Jonathan Gichana, Alban Wainaina, Elizabeth Omae and many others represent the future of engineering in the region. If East Africa is to build the resilient and efficient infrastructure needed for the future, investing in young engineering talent will be every bit as important as investing in technology itself.
| Tel: | +27 11 254 6400 |
| Email: | za-ccc@se.com |
| www: | www.se.com/za/en/ |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Schneider Electric South Africa |
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version