What does selecting a pump have in common with using a dating app? It’s all about matching preferences, needs, and compatibility. This was the quirky but clever icebreaker that set the tone for an engaging session between Wilo East Africa and 40 eager students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
The session, led by Wilo East Africa’s Sustainability Manager, Christine Amira, kicked off with humor and purpose as the visiting Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering students explored Wilo’s state-of-the-art Assembly Plant and Academy. Accompanied by two technologists and the respected Dr. Sylvia Murunga, the group dove into the world of smart pump technology, sustainability, and the future of water engineering in Africa.
“It got a few laughs!” Christine admitted, referring to her dating app analogy, “but it broke the ice and got everyone thinking differently about pump selection.” That light-hearted entry served a serious purpose—demonstrating how real-world engineering tools like Wilo-Select 5, the company’s smart online pump selection software, work much like matchmaking platforms: evaluating options, comparing performance, and selecting the most efficient, sustainable fit for each application.
Building a Generation of Water Champions
The visit wasn’t just about technology—it was about people. Wilo East Africa is deeply invested in developing future talent, especially among youth, women, and early-career professionals. Their outreach to students is part of a broader initiative to build capacity in the Middle & Southern Africa Region, reinforcing the company’s belief that sustainability begins with knowledge transfer and local engagement.
“As a company, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation,” said the Sustainability Manager. “We recognize that empowering students through hands-on learning and exposure to cutting-edge technology is critical to solving tomorrow’s water and energy challenges.”
The Wilo team shared insights on energy-efficient pumping systems, smart water management, and how engineering can be adapted to meet local demands—while also emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in today’s rapidly evolving climate.
Wilo’s Commitment to Sustainability
The Wilo Group, a global leader in water solutions, continues to make significant investments in sustainability, innovation, and education. Through the Wilo Academy, young engineers gain practical exposure to technologies that prioritize resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those related to clean water and climate action.
Wilo East Africa’s Assembly Plant also represents a significant milestone in localizing manufacturing, improving supply chains, and ensuring faster delivery of tailored pumping solutions for regional needs.
“Sustainability is not just a technological aspiration,” the host explained. “It’s a people-centered journey. We want students to see that innovation must be rooted in understanding communities, cultural contexts, and the long-term impacts of engineering solutions.”
Learning Made Relatable
Perhaps the biggest takeaway for the students wasn’t just technical knowledge, but how accessible and exciting the world of engineering can be when framed in the right way. Making complex concepts relatable—like comparing pump selection to dating apps—helps break down barriers, spark curiosity, and make learning more inclusive.
By the end of the visit, many students expressed newfound appreciation for how their classroom theory connects to real-world applications. The event also fostered networking opportunities between academia and industry—something Wilo East Africa hopes to strengthen as it continues nurturing talent across the region.
A Shared Future in Water Engineering
As Wilo continues to expand its footprint across Africa, such initiatives are becoming increasingly important. The company’s focus on long-term partnerships, local empowerment, and sustainable technology ensures that future engineers are not only job-ready but are also inspired to think critically about the environmental and social impact of their work.
“This wasn’t just a plant tour,” said Dr. Murunga in closing. “It was an eye-opener for many of our students, and a reminder that engineering is not just about machines—it’s about improving lives.”
And if a dating app comparison helps a few more young minds see the magic in pumps? Then it’s a match made in engineering heaven.
