Mechanical Design Engineer
Hillary Kipngeno Bett is a mechanically minded and results-driven engineering professional based in Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Production Engineering from Moi University (2024), where he graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). Hillary is set to begin his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering this fall, enriching his strong foundation with advanced knowledge.
Hillary has hands-on experience in high-paced industrial manufacturing, having contributed at British American Tobacco Kenya both as a Technical Trainee Operator (July 2025–Present) and as a Manufacturing Apprentice (October 2024–June 2025). He specializes in process optimization, waste reduction, and the application of statistical process control. Notably, he achieved a 48% reduction in cigarette tipping paper waste by optimizing changeover thresholds and played a key role in loss elimination initiatives that improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and reduced machine rate loss. His problem-solving abilities are reinforced by frequent use of methodologies such as IPS, Why-Why, and 6W2H analysis.
Earlier attachments at Sohan Singh Josh & Sons and the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute gave him practical exposure to preventive maintenance, machine setup, and fabrication of energy-efficient stoves and agro-processing equipment. He is skilled in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), finite element analysis, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping, with proficiency in MATLAB and key Microsoft Office applications.
His final year project—a semi-trailing arm suspension system designed in SolidWorks and analyzed with ANSYS—demonstrated his engineering acumen, proposing an innovative alternative to traditional leaf springs for Kenyan three-wheelers, promising smoother rides and enhanced dynamic performance.
Known for his teamwork, commitment to continuous improvement, and communication with cross-functional teams, Hillary is eager to further his expertise and contribute creatively to mechanical engineering challenges.