NAIROBI: The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has inaugurated its 31st Annual International Convention, emphasizing the essential contribution of engineers to innovation, job creation, and sustainable national development. The event seeks to align various stakeholders with Kenya’s economic agenda by demonstrating how engineering can drive economic transformation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Water Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, highlighted the government’s focus on building capacity for industrialization during the convention’s media launch on Tuesday. He stressed the potential of engineers and the ministry’s support for policies prioritizing their talents. Mugaa described engineers as catalysts of development, responsible for delivering critical projects that transform Kenya’s economy.
Mugaa underscored the importance of developing strong regulatory frameworks to support innovation in engineering and urged the integration of technological syst
ems to enhance productivity, particularly in agriculture. He also emphasized that engineering promotes gender equity and called for investment in youth training and mentorship to address future challenges.
IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme remarked that the convention serves as a platform for engineers to engage in dialogue and develop solutions to industrialization challenges. He advocated for a shift from net importing to net exporting, highlighting strategies for local production and value addition. This year’s convention reinforces the IEK’s commitment to advancing engineering as a driving force for Kenya’s development, focusing on sustainable growth and inclusivity.