KPLC Engineer Who Rose From Repairing Radios To Designing Ksh 6B Government Project

If you find yourself feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your job or area of business, it might be time to change your mind-set. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your career or business, try to shift your perspective and focus on the positive aspects. Ask yourself, “How can I change my mind-set about what I am currently doing?” Consider reframing the way you think about your tasks, finding meaning in what you do, and setting goals for yourself. By changing your mind-set, you may find that you are more engaged and motivated at work, leading to a more fulfilling experience overall.

KPLC Engineer George Auma Otieno is a Kenyan engineer who has gained recognition for his work designing a government project worth Ksh 6 billion. He has an inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings to become a successful engineer.

According to reports, Otieno started out as a radio repairman before moving on to work at the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). He joined KPLC in the 1990s as a technician and worked his way up through the ranks to become an engineer.

Kenya Power recently celebrated him, for leading power designs of several projects including Vipingo Holiday Homes, Superior Homes, and the Ksh6 billion Buxton Affordable Housing Projects.

He is the project lead for the power design of the multi-billion affordable housing estate in Mombasa commissioned by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2020. The engineer is in charge of the design and installation of power in all the 1,860 units in the estate.

“Within the company, he has done many power design projects for massive housing projects, which include Vipingo Holiday Homes, Superior Homes, and Buxton Affordable Housing Projects,” read a statement by the power distributor.

His talents in engineering and innovation were however noticeable earlier in his life.

His humble beginnings

As a primary school student, George spent most of his time repairing wristwatches and old wooden radios for his neighbours.

When joining high school, he already had mastery of mobile phone technology and was doing side-business repairing other people’s phones.

The engineer proceeded to join the University of Nairobi pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering where he continued to create technology that landed him international recognition.

Before graduating, the engineer had already patented his innovation and won the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) competition. He was ranked nationally in the 21st Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) international conference in 2014.

His Notable innovations

One of his innovations is a smart highway technology that enables the generation of power through the exertion of pressure on roads by vehicles which the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is willing to try in the pilot stage.

“Vehicles exert pressure on the road and change this pressure into energy. Laser strips will be placed on the roads, converting the pressure into energy enough to light the street lights and provide power to the shops close to the highways,” George explained to Kenya Power.

The Kenya Power Engineer is also the Chairman of the Kenya Innovators Society, which brings together over 150 innovators with varying specialities nationwide.

Lessons to highlight from George Otieno’s story

Hone your skills and trust the process. George started out repairing radios and now years down the line he is a highly decorated Engineer. Lastly, love what you do! His success  is attributed to his passion and that is what drives him to come up with great innovations.

STORY COURTESY OF: KENYANS.CO.KE