Ms. Veronica Ngunzi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Tutorial Fellow at Kenyatta University, Kenya

Veronica Kavila Ngunzi is an experienced professional and educator with over a decade of expertise in renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and program management. She has an in-depth understanding of Kenya’s power sector, including energy planning, socio-economic data analysis, and the role of development finance in advancing clean energy access. Her work focuses on sustainable energy solutions for critical sectors such as healthcare and agriculture, integrating technical expertise with community empowerment initiatives. She is skilled in energy auditing, hybrid systems design, and capacity-building programs, making significant contributions to the transition to clean energy in Kenya and beyond.

Publication Profile 

Scopus

Orcid

Educational Background

• Ph.D. in Renewable Energy Technology (Ongoing) – Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya (2021 – Present)
• Ph.D. in Agricultural Processing Engineering (Ongoing) – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2020 – Present)
• M.Sc. in Energy Management – University of Nairobi (2015)
• B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering (Double Degree, Second Class Upper Division) – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2018)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (Upper Credit) – Kenya Institute of Management (2012)
• B.Sc. in Biomechanical and Processing Engineering (Second Class Upper Division) – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2009)

Professional Experience

Academic Roles

• Tutorial Fellow, Kenyatta University, Department of Energy Technology (2020–Present)
  • Teaching and supervising courses in Energy Management, Thermodynamics, and Project Management.
  • Leading research on renewable energy solutions for healthcare and community-focused applications.
  • Guiding students on projects related to Kenya’s energy sector.

Research & Consulting

• Research Assistant, Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology (FAST) Research Group, Western University Canada (2023–2024)

  • Conducted research on hybrid renewable energy systems for industrial applications.
  • Collaborated with global teams to develop scalable, sustainable clean energy solutions.

• Energy Consultant (Freelance) – Kenya (2015–2023)

  • Conducted energy audits for industrial and agricultural facilities.
  • Designed hybrid renewable energy systems for critical sectors.
  • Engaged stakeholders to align energy solutions with national planning goals.

Leadership & Advisory Roles

• Mentor, Women in Energy Empowerment, Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy Program (2024 – Ongoing)

  • Mentoring women in STEM and renewable energy careers.
  • Conducting workshops to promote gender equity in the energy sector.

• Technical Advisor & Project Team Leader, Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy (2023)

  • Led the implementation of a hybrid solar PV and wind energy system with battery storage.
  • Achieved semifinalist recognition for innovative clean energy solutions.

• Project Lead, Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC) & GIZ (2015–2017)

  • Led a bioenergy analysis project for 30 tea factories, identifying energy-saving opportunities.

• Trainer, Ministry of Energy Kenya & UNDP (2017)

  • Developed and implemented a solar water heating training manual for Kenyan industries.

• Researcher, Ministry of Higher Education Science & Technology (2012–2016)

  • Conducted research on biogas resource assessment and purification for household applications.

Research Interests

• Renewable energy systems (solar PV, biogas, hybrid systems)
• Energy efficiency and sector planning
• Sustainable energy solutions for healthcare and agriculture
• Socio-economic impacts of clean energy adoption
• Gender and community empowerment in energy access

Awards and Honors

• Semifinalist, Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy (2023)
• UNESCO Mentorship Recognition, Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (2024)
• Research Grant Recipient, Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology (FAST) Research Group

Conclusion

Veronica Kavila Ngunzi is a dedicated researcher, educator, and renewable energy specialist committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Kenya and beyond. With expertise spanning energy policy, hybrid systems, and socio-economic data analysis, she has played a pivotal role in shaping inclusive and impactful energy transitions. Through research, mentorship, and technical innovation, she continues to drive progress in clean energy accessibility and gender equity in the sector.

Publications

Optimization of economics of biomass fuel mix for boilers in tea processing through response surface methodology
Heliyon (2024-12) | Journal article
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40875
Contributors: Veronica K. Ngunzi, Christopher L. Kanali, Gareth M. Kituu, Erick K. Ronoh

---

Modeling, simulation and performance evaluation of a PVT system for the Kenyan manufacturing sector
Heliyon (2023-08) | Journal article
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18823
Contributors: Veronica Ngunzi, Francis Njoka, Robert Kinyua

---

Analysis of Energy Cost Savings by Substituting Heavy Fuel Oil with Alternative Fuel for a Pozzolana Dryer: Case Study of Bamburi Cement
American Journal of Energy Engineering (2015) | Journal article
DOI: 10.11648/j.ajee.20150306.13
ISSN: 2329-1648

---