Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has called for private investors’ concerted efforts in pushing for rapid industrialisation through contributing to infrastructural development that will create job opportunities for the youth.
Speaking in Mombasa during the 31st Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) International Convention, the CS noted that with proper investment in infrastructure, the nation will not only build capacity within the engineering sector but also stimulate job creation, hence tackling the current leading menace within the country.
“It is clear that industrialisation is not merely an option but a necessity; hence, our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030 emphasise the importance of harnessing our human capital and industrial potential to drive economic recovery,” he said.
Additionally, Chirchir highlighted that the government remains committed to addressing the pending bills within the infrastructure sector that disrupt project timelines, citing an amount totalling to approximately Sh173 billion.
“We have been very ambitious with expanding infrastructure, but because of the exchequer, the little resource we have is not enough to support the requirements of our infrastructure development,” said the CS.
However, he assured engineers that the government is working towards settling the challenge through leveraging on the securitisation of a section of the road maintenance levy, among other initiatives, to ensure that contractors eventually resume work.
Chirchir reinforced the government’s commitment to advancing Kenya’s infrastructure and industrial goals.
He noted that BETA and Vision 2030 emphasise 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 industrialising, middle-income country providing a high quality of life for all our citizens within a clean and secure environment,” he added.
The CS further noted that the ministry is 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 all projects prioritise local talents and expertise.
He added that by empowering local professionals, the government will not only build capacity within the engineering community but also stimulate job creation and economic activities in the regions.
Themed “Industrialisation for Economic Transformation and Employment Creation, the 4-day forum saw top engineers, industry pioneers, policymakers, and key stakeholders gathering to explore and address key pressing challenges and opportunities within the engineering sector.
The CS said the government recognises the vital role engineers play in shaping the infrastructure and, in turn, the economic landscape.
“This is a collective responsibility; engineers, architects, urban planners, and other professionals must collaborate closely to tackle the pressing challenges we face and unlock the immense potential of our economy,” said Chirchir.
He underscored the need to leverage the expertise of engineers in the country to address urgent infrastructural challenges.
Chirchir added that, to bolster the local industry, the government must also focus on capacity building within engineering.
“By investing in training and development, we can enhance the skills of our workforce, ensuring that they are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. This will not only benefit our engineers but also strengthen the foundation of our economy,” he said.
Also in attendance was Mombasa County Governor Abdulswammad Nassir, who expressed the County government’s commitment to collaborate and implement solutions that drive growth within Mombasa County.
“The outcomes of this convention are poised to benefit not only our infrastructure but to create tangible opportunities for our youth, especially here in Mombasa County,” stated Nassir.
He also expressed hope that the discussions and innovations emerging from the convection would propel Kenya’s standing as a leader in East Africa’s industrial sector.
On his part, IEK President Engineer Shammah Kiteme underscored the need for a sustainable approach to engineering, noting that by applying sustainable engineering principles, the nation can build a future that balances economic progress with environmental stewardship.
Kiteme said that engineering is central to the country’s economic ambitions, adding that the convection will highlight how the profession contributes to sustainable job creation and industrial progress.
“The sustainability of our nation hinges on effective engineering that maximises resource use while minimising waste,” he said.
By Chari Suche and Nuru Soud
