The ITACET  training session titled « Introduction to Tunnelling – From Design to Construction » was held in Nairobi, Kenya on 4-5 December.  After a first session dedicated to underground space use in 2018, the 2019 seminar aimed to go further in the tunnelling process by presenting the major issues related to the design and construction aspects. It helped the clients to understand how to manage underground projects and set up a suitable organisation. Approximately 80 participants attended, from various companies but all with a great enthusiasm to learn more and dedicated to advancing tunnelling technology and projects in Kenya.

The first day began with presentations from Lars Babendererde, ITA vice-president, outlining the main stages and key players in the tunnel project management, which was then illustrated with an urban case study. Gérard Seingre, ITA Treasurer, then continued with thorough presentations explaining the main tunnelling methods used, alongside pertinent case studies. The day ended with a Q&A, in which many of the participants were happy to have the opportunity to pose their questions.

Day two began with lectures by Maud Macary, of the CETU (France), who gave an excellent morning of presentations on the theme of Organisation and Contractual aspects, including an interesting case study on the new FIDIC Emerald book. The afternoon was then given over to mainly local presentations before a Round Table on Risk Management and the closing of the session.