The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) officially opened its 31st International Convention at the Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa, marking the start of a four-day gathering of over 3,000 engineers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. Centered around the theme, “Industrialization for Economic Transformation and Employment Creation,” this year’s convention seeks to address Kenya’s most pressing engineering challenges and outline the path toward a sustainable and industrialized economy.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme underscored the need for a sustainable approach to engineering, ““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, we must embrace engineering solutions that respect and preserve our resources. Sustainable engineering principles aren’t just ideal—they’re essential for creating resilient systems that will support Kenya for generations to come.”
“The sustainability of our nation hinges on effective engineering that maximizes resource use while minimizing waste. Only by applying sustainable engineering principles can we build a future that balances economic progress with environmental stewardship.” He added.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Hon. Davis Chirchir, who served as the Chief Guest, reinforced the government’s commitment to advancing Kenya’s infrastructure and industrial goals. “It is clear that industrialization is not merely an option—it is a necessity. Our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030 emphasize the importance of harnessing our human capital and industrial potential to drive economic recovery, ultimately making Kenya a globally competitive nation by 2030. We envision a future where we are a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality of life for all our 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. By empowering local professionals, we will not only build capacity within the engineering community but also stimulate job creation and economic activity in our regions.” He added.
Also in attendance was Mombasa County Governor, Hon. Abdulswamad Shariff, who acknowledged the strategic significance of hosting the engineering community in the region. “Mombasa is honoured to host the distinguished engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders gathered here today.
This convention not only supports Mombasa’s infrastructure and employment goals but also aligns with our broader vision of economic transformation for Kenya. We are ready to collaborate on and implement solutions that drive growth in Mombasa and the entire country.” He further highlighted, “The outcomes of this convention are poised to benefit not only our infrastructure but also to create tangible opportunities for our youth, especially here in Mombasa.
He expressed hope that the discussions and innovations emerging from the 4-day long convention would propel Kenya’s standing as a leader in East Africa’s industrial sector.
With a full schedule of workshops, technical sessions, and panel discussions, the convention will cover a broad range of topics, from sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy to the latest advancements in engineering technologies.