Engineers urged to champion environmental sustainability

Engineers in the country have been urged to take a leading role in promoting environmental sustainability.

 They were advised that every engineering project should contribute to a greener, more resilient Kenya.

 Speaking during the World Engineering Day 2025 celebrations in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Roads Joseph Mbugua said there is a need for sustainable engineering solutions to balance economic growth with environmental conservation.

 "Engineering is the backbone of modern civilization. In Kenya, the infrastructure sector contributes over 10 per cent of the GDP, and road transport alone accounts for 80 per cent  of passenger and freight traffic. However, with rapid urbanization and Kenya’s urban population projected to reach 22 million by 2030, we must rethink how we design, construct, and maintain our infrastructure," said Mbugua.

 In the remarks delivered on his behalf by Luka Kimeli, the secretary of roads, Mbugua noted the environmental impact of infrastructure, pointing out that road transport emissions contribute approximately 15 per cent of Kenya’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

 To address this, he announced that the government is actively adopting green construction technologies, including the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs in road projects.

 "We are fast-tracking the development of non-motorized transport infrastructure, including walkways and cycling lanes, to promote sustainable urban movement," said Mbugua.

 Shammah Kiteme, the president of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) noted that engineering plays a vital role  in addressing many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 This, he said includes, clean water and sanitation, affordable and sustainable energy, resilient infrastructure, and climate action.

 "There are enough warnings that the SDGs may not be realized as envisioned. However, their attainment is impossible without the critical role of engineers. Engineers are key in ending poverty, ensuring sustainable agriculture, providing clean water and sanitation, and developing modern energy solutions," said Eng Kiteme.

 Kiteme was represented by Harrison Keter, the first vice president of IEK.

 He emphasized the importance of continuous training and innovation to future-proof engineers' careers in an evolving technological landscape.

 "We have rolled out aggressive training programs covering Quantum Engineering, Nanotechnology, AI and Big Data, Renewable Energy, Circular Economy, Autonomous Systems, and Bioinformatics. These trainings will ensure that our members stay ahead of the pack in their careers and contribute effectively to sustainable development," said Eng. Kiteme.

 

With climate change and environmental degradation posing growing challenges, engineers were urged to integrate sustainability into their projects to safeguard future generations. 

"As engineers, we must embrace innovation, uphold ethical standards, and champion environmental sustainability. Every engineering project should contribute to a greener, more resilient Kenya," noted Mbugua.