NITN | @notintownlive | 08 Jul 2020, 07:54 am

University of Nairobi's Distinguished Professor Francis Mulaa talks about why he thought it was important to bring out a book to guide engineering students about engineering drawings. The book has been written by Professor Francis Mulaa, in association with engineer Thomas Mukuche, and has been designed by Zablon Wekesa.
Congratulations on the release of "Foundation Principles of Engineering Drawings, Design & Fabrication". You are not a full-time writer. How and when do you manage time to write in between your regular career?
I had made the draft manuscript way back in 2013 but could not find time to complete the book. Lack of a publisher locally made it more difficult. The lockdown helped create time to retrieve the manuscript and reassemble the team that was working on it to complete the work.
What kind of books inspire you as a writer? Who are your favorite authors and poets?
Mathematics Informatics, Natural Sciences Sciences and Technology (M.I.N.T)
Why did you want to become a writer? Who inspired you to become a writer? What triggered you to come into writing?
After completing my studies, It came to my realization that students were struggling with M.I.N.T subjects. On visiting the teacher training colleges, I realized that the problem was the way the subjects were being taught. The teachers did not understand the subject. Looking at the books they used, it became apparent where the problem lay. The textbooks used. I decided I could make a small contribution based on my experiences as a student and a lecturer.
What are you doing to let readers know about your book?
Word of mouth, promote through heads of institutions of higher education forums, social media groups and I plan to have a formal launch at the university when the book is published
Tell us something about yourself and your background.
I am a biochemist by training. During my first year preparatory for university, I happened to have been the only biochemist in the group, so I was placed together with students of forestry. So for three months we studied engineering drawings. Many years later, I came to learn that the reason students of engineering hated engineering drawings, was the approach and way it was taught. I decided to assemble a team that could put my student experience days into practice. The [reduced work hours owing to] COVID-19 helped complete the pending work.
Do you plan to take it up as a full-time profession if the response is good?
Definitely. I have other ideas I believe I could bring out if this book works out.
- Durga Puja sustainability: One of the oldest awards goes flex-free
- Ayurveda and Skin Health in the Modern Age
- MedSage expands footprint with new branch in Rampurhat
- Education for All reaches out to support marginalized children during Durga Puja
- A Defiant Voice Remembered: Jyotsna Mohan at The Write Circle, Dubai
- Rotary International District 3291 joins hands with JU, others to celebrate sustainable Durga Puja
- Saptak Music School of Pittsburgh hosts spellbinding evening of Indian classical music
- Kolkata: Ahiritola Yubak Brinda invites Auram to make jewellery for Ma Durga and her family
- Three-Day exhibition pays tribute to literary legends Sunil Gangopadhyay and Shakti Chattopadhyay
- Sona College’s sewing machines for differently-abled earn third patent
Emirates will celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, by offering special meals and entertainment on its flights to and from India between Oct 17 and 24, the airline said.
British Airways has announced its plans for network expansion in India as it backed a UK government trade mission to the country, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Air India Group has announced changes to its domestic operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport due to ongoing expansion work at Terminal 3 (T3).