Engineers Push for Industrialisation to Create Jobs
By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has resolved to push the government, policymakers, industrial leadership and stakeholders to embrace industrialization to create wealth and job opportunities for Kenyans.
The institution’s 3,000 members want industrialisation to be the only avenue for economic transformation and employment creation.
According to them this year’s convention seeks to address Kenya’s most pressing engineering challenges and outline the path towards a sustainable and industrialized economy.
IEK president Shammah Kiteme, speaking in Mombasa for the 31 International Convention ceremony, said there was need for a sustainable approach to engineering in its totality.
“Engineering is central to Kenya’s economic ambitions, and this convention highlights how our profession contributes to sustainable job creation and industrial progress.”
To secure long-term growth, the president said Kenyans must embrace engineering solutions to most of their issues adding that it would preserve the limited resources at their disposal.
“Sustainable engineering principles aren’t just ideal—they’re essential for creating resilient systems that will support Kenya for generations to come.”
In his push, he adds that the sustainability of the nation hinges on effective engineering that maximises the use of resources while minimising waste.
“Only by applying sustainable engineering principles can we build a future that balances economic progress with environmental stewardship.”
Roads and transport cabinet secretary Davis Chirchir said the government was committed to advancing Kenya’s infrastructure and industrial goals.
It is clear, according to him, that industrialisation is not merely an option, but a necessity.
“Our Bottom-up economic transformation agenda (BETA) and the Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of harnessing our human capital and industrial potential to drive economic recovery, ultimately making Kenya a globally competitive nation by 2030.”
He says the need to envision a future where the nation is newly industrialising as a middle-income country, thus, providing a high quality of life for all the citizens within a clean and secure environment.
“We are committed to engaging with the Institution of engineers of Kenya, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya, and the Engineers Board of Kenya to ensure our projects prioritize local talent and expertise.”
Through empowering local professionals, the CS adds Kenya will not only build capacity within the engineering community, but also stimulate job creation and economic activity in the region.
Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Shariff acknowledged the strategic significance of hosting the engineering community in the region saying the county was honoured to host the distinguished engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
“This convention not only supports Mombasa’s infrastructure and employment goals but also aligns with our broader vision of economic transformation for Kenya.”
According to him Mombasa is ready to collaborate on the implementation of engineering solutions that will drive growth in the county and the entire country.
“The outcomes of this convention are poised to benefit not only the infrastructure, but also create tangible opportunities for youths, especially in Mombasa.”
He expressed hope that the discussions and innovations emerging from the four-day long convention would propel Kenya’s standing as a leader in East African industrial sector..
