Gov’t urges engineers to share expertise in economic planning and public investment

The Government has called engineers to play a more strategic role in Kenya's economic planning and public investment, saying engineering expertise is essential in delivering sustainable infrastructure, prudent use of public resources and long-term economic growth.

Speaking during the Second African Journal of Engineering Research and Innovation (AJERI) conference at Kenyatta University, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said engineering is a critical partner in fiscal planning, infrastructure financing and policy formulation.

"Economic planning and engineering are inseparable. Every national development plan eventually becomes an engineering project. Every development budget allocation eventually becomes a physical infrastructure. Every policy aspiration eventually requires technical implementation," said Director of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Eng. Kefa Seda, on behalf of CS Mbadi.

He noted that the success of all government projects among them affordable housing, energy systems, irrigation, hospitals, schools, digital connectivity and industrial infrastructure, depends on engineering excellence.

"A budget by itself builds nothing. It is engineers who transform these public resources into tangible national assets. After resource allocation to various sectors of our economy, it is the engineer who converts public investments into lasting national wealth," he said.

He intimated that the government is pursuing innovative financing mechanisms to accelerate infrastructure development, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure bonds, green bonds, blended finance and climate finance instruments.

Eng. Seda highlighted the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund as key reforms aimed at mobilising private capital and strengthening the country's capacity to finance commercially viable infrastructure projects.

"One of the greatest lessons we have learned over the years is that fiscal discipline begins long before procurement. It begins during project conception. Projects that uphold rigorous engineering studies, solid feasibility analysis and comprehensive risk assessment are more likely to be completed on time, within budget and according to specifications," he said.

Eng. Seda called on engineers to take a leading role in developing climate-resilient infrastructure and preparing bankable projects capable of attracting climate finance.

"Climate adaptation is no longer optional. It is an economic necessity. Engineers must play an indispensable role in designing resilient roads, flood control systems, renewable energy facilities, water infrastructure and climate-smart technologies capable of withstanding future environmental risks," he said.

On his part, KU Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Okumu, said universities have a responsibility in generating evidence-based research that supports industrial competitiveness and sustainable development.

"Research achieves its greatest value when it informs policy, stimulates enterprise, creates jobs and improves the lives of our citizens," he said.

The conference brought together engineers, researchers, policymakers, students and industry leaders from across the continent to deliberate on engineering solutions in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, circular economy, digital technologies, sustainable construction, water management and resource-efficient manufacturing.