This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
Published on October 30, 2019, Rose Kananu's journey from civil engineering to project management consultancy is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to empowering local construction professionals.
With the rise of foreign companies winning large construction projects in Kenya, Kananu saw an opportunity to help build the capacity of local construction professionals. She teamed up with Dr Nathaniel Ambassah, a civil engineer, and established Howard Aidevo in November 2017.
The company's training arm, Building Capacity for Developing Infrastructure Projects (BCDIP), has trained over 300 project practitioners. Kananu emphasizes that Howard Aidevo offers affordable training at affordable fees, tailored to the needs of clients, and delivered through strategic partnerships with experienced professionals.
Howard Aidevo's training programs cater to various levels, from basic courses for beginners to advanced courses in specialized areas. The company has worked with notable clients, including the Kenya National Highways Authority, Tatu City project managers, and a team from an Eritrean company.
Dr Ambassah, an educationist and lecturer at a local university, develops the curriculum for the BCDIP program, leveraging his experience in education. Kananu, with her project management experience since 2000, serves as the managing director of the firm.
Howard Aidevo focuses on building capacity for efficient project delivery through Earned Value Management (EVM), a technique for measuring project performance and progress. The company also offers mentorship programs for fresh graduates, introducing them to the job market and equipping them with project management, financial, and life skills.
Despite facing challenges, including a business deal gone bad and high costs of hiring trainers, Kananu remains optimistic about the company's future. Howard Aidevo aims to become the go-to training provider in project management, construction management, and public-private partnerships.
