Abdul Mullick Associates: Consulting Engineers

Abdul Mullick Associates (AMA) Limited is a Consulting Engineering firm founded in Kenya in 1976 by Eng. Abdul Mullick after fifteen years’ experience in both the Civil and Structural disciplines of the engineering profession; at responsibility levels from that of a junior engineer to an Associate Partner of an International Consulting practice. Incorporated into a limited company in 1994, AMA is one of the leading consulting engineering firms in Kenya.

Since 2000 the firm has shifted its focus significantly to transportation and multi-purpose dams. It serves its clients at all levels of engineering and consulting assignments with the knowledgeable practice and know-how of the firm’s productive and qualified personnel. The tested, reliable multi perspective engineering consultancy offered by AMA has always led to meeting of expected deliverables not only efficiently and economically but sometimes faster.

According to the Chairman and CEO Eng. David O Maganda the firm also offers services in the building sector especially the structural aspects of  construction, and bridge designs whether they are singular or part and parcel of the road.

“We get into an existing system, work with them, try to enhance their capacity and enlighten them on the best practices for that particular system; from inception of the project, design supervision and maintenance,” he says.

AMA’s code of working is to achieve success through total quality perspective by following the most modern, technological and scientific developments in the fields of interest. AMA is at an advanced stage of obtaining ISO 9001 2015 Quality Management System certification and will be as good as any other firm providing similar services in any part of the World

The management of the firm comprises of very experienced professionals who have demonstrated with pride that every project that has been handled by them has been completed satisfactorily and within the budgetary limits whether designed by them or not. In fact, on some projects, substantial savings have been realized because of timely recognition of favorable conditions which became apparent during construction. AMA has a professional work force of 80 staff among them: 40 Engineers (B.Sc/M.Sc/MBA/Ph.D), 6 Professional Surveyors, 5 Environmental Experts, 4 Sociologists, 15 Technician/ Draftsmen and 22 Administrative staff.

During the over thirty five years since its establishment, the firm has undertaken feasibility studies, design, documentation and construction supervision of several roads to various standards in different topographies and climatic conditions. The firm has also carried out structural designs and supervision of buildings from single to high rise structures. The firm’s experience also includes bridges; Infrastructure including sewerage reticulation, treatment and disposal; water disposal; water supply, storm water drainage; plumbing and electrical works related to housing.

“Working in remote areas requires experience in managing construction projects and dealing with logistical problems not encountered in projects where accessibility is not an issue. AMA has successfully carried out projects in remote areas” says Eng. Maganda.

Some of the major projects they have carried out include: Design review and work supervision of Machakos Turn off Road- JKIA junction Kenya, Feasibility study and detailed design for the Nandi forest multi-purpose dam development project on river Yala; Ministry of local government technical assistance and capacity building, planning and management in local authorities, preliminary and detailed engineering design of Makutano-Miu-Kyangondu-Muiu-Kaumoni Wote road among others.

Some of their on-going and recently completed projects include: Consultancy Services for Design Review, Construction Supervision & Contract Administration for Rehabilitation of Isebania – Kisii – Ahero Road (A1) Project, Lot 2: Kisii – Ahero (A1) Road Section_84km, Consultancy services for Feasibility Study, Environmental Impact and Socio-Economic Assessment and Preliminary Design of 200 km long Greater Southen Bypass, Consultancy Services for Supervision of Design and Construction of Garsen – Witu – Lamu (C112) Road [FIDIC EPC/ Turnkey Based]_135km,  Consultancy Services for Design Review and Construction Supervision of Lokitaung Junction to Kalobeiyei River Road in Turkana County, Consultancy Services for Construction Supervision of Eldoret Town Bypass,  Development of Hazina Trade Centre Office Tower at Monrovia/Moktar Daddah Street, LR 209/6708 and , Consultancy Services for Supervision of Upgrading of Suna-Masara-Kehancha Road (C13) Road, Marsabit- Turbi road (A2) project and Moyale ONE STOP BOARDER POST, Proposed Moi University Building in Nairobi (Torch of Knowledge Tower), Reinstatement of Awendo Mariwa Road (D202); Upgrading to bitumen standard of Homa Bay – Mbita Road (C19); Northern Corridor Transport Improvement Project (NCTIP) Rehabilitation of Nyamasaria-Kisumu-Kisian including the Kisumu Bypass Road (A1/B1) Contract No. RD 0505, Consultancy services for Feasibility Study & Detailed Design of the Lower Ewaso Ng’iro South Multipurpose Dam Development Project: Contract No. MRD/04/2011-12 – Implementation of Contract among others.

Eng. Maganda insists that finance is the main challenge in the industry majorly because of delays by the government in making payments for on-going or completed projects. “This means that you have to involve yourself with over-draft facilities to complete the projects; and with the high interest rates that have been prevailing in the country for sometime, you find it very difficult to break even,” continues Eng. Maganda. It is becoming apparent that engineering firms have to diversify their Client base and pursue donor funded public sector projects to be able to maintain a healthy cash flow for sustainability.

“Even with the capping of the interest rates, payments still need to be done in time since the banks have recoiled and borrowing has become difficult. We feel that, when the governments are letting out projects they should ring fence finances for project execution. It will help not only to realize the projects on time and budget, but also develop and sustain the consultancy industry,” he affirms.

“Authorities like KENHA, KURA and KERRA should have their strategic plans available in the public domain so people can see what they plan to do in 5 years time and the major players in the industry can also plan themselves with proposals,” he adds.

The firm is registered with various bodies, which include: Engineers Board of Kenya, and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Kenya.