Julius Mimano is a name that may not be familiar to many people, but he is a pioneer in the field of mechanical engineering in Kenya.
Born in Kenya in the early 1930s, Mimano had always dreamed of becoming an engineer. He pursued this dream by attending the Alliance High School in Kenya and mechanical engineering at the Nairobi Technical College.
In 1961, he became the first Kenyan to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, marking a significant achievement not just for Mimano, but for Kenya and East Africa as a whole.
Mimano’s career in engineering began when he joined the railways in East Africa. At the time, he was the only black engineer among a group of Europeans. However, this did not deter him from working hard and proving himself in the field.
He started as an assistant mechanical engineer in Kampala, Uganda, before being placed in charge of the whole Tanzania region. This gave him a thorough understanding of the entire railway network and how the different East African countries could work together to benefit from it.
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Upon returning to Kenya in 1967, Mimano became a senior mechanical engineer in charge of equipment design and specifications. He quickly climbed the ladder to become the chief mechanical engineer of the whole network.
Mimano’s dedication and expertise were recognized by the Ministry of Transport, and in 1980, he was appointed Chief Mechanical and Transport Engineer. Three years later, he became the managing director of the Kenya Railway.
Mimano’s contributions to the railway industry in Kenya were significant. He advocated for improved passenger services and saw the potential for the railway network to be a viable commercial alternative to road transport.
He believed that by making the railway industry profitable, it would help to relieve road congestion and benefit the country as a whole. Mimano’s vision for the railway industry was not just about transportation, but about economic development and growth.
Beyond his work in engineering, Mimano also played a significant role in promoting the profession in Kenya. He became the Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, which is responsible for registering and regulating engineers in Kenya.
This was a position of great responsibility, as it helped to ensure that engineers in Kenya were held to high standards and that the profession was respected and valued.
Julius Mimano’s legacy in Kenya and East Africa is an important one. As the first Kenyan mechanical engineer, he paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
His contributions to the railway industry helped to promote economic growth and development in the region. His leadership in promoting the engineering profession helped to raise its profile and ensure that it was respected and valued.
