The Faculty of Engineering co-hosted this year’s World Engineering Day celebrations on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, bringing together engineers, policymakers, academics and students for a day of reflection on the role of engineering in shaping Kenya’s future.

Held at Taifa Hall, the national event was organized by the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and the Engineers Board of Kenya in partnership with the University of Nairobi. The celebrations were held under the theme “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalization.”

The day began with a procession through Nairobi led by engineers, students and industry professionals to raise awareness about the profession and its contribution to national development. Participants later gathered at Taifa Hall for a full day conference featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions and a press briefing.

On behalf of the University leadership, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, called for stronger ties between academia and industry to create smart engineering solutions tailored to local needs. She also highlighted the Faculty's role in the broader engineering ecosystem, "The University of Nairobi is proud to co-host this event. As the pioneer of Engineering education in Kenya, we continue to train sustainable problem-solvers for generations to come," she said.

The chief guest, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, Principal Secretary, State Department for Roads, representing Cabinet Secretary Eng. Davis Chirchir, set a clear tone for the government's position: "As a Ministry, we are firmly committed to environmental sustainability and the integration of circular economy principles in infrastructure development." He added that the road sector is already translating that commitment into action, with 630 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure deployed along major road corridors to enhance connectivity, drive trade, and unlock economic opportunities across the country.

Eng. Margaret Ogai, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Engineers Board of Kenya, highlighted the board’s mandate in regulating engineering practice and maintaining professional standards. She noted that strong regulation and continuous capacity development are essential to ensuring quality engineering services and ethical professional conduct across the sector.

The national government was represented by Eng. Joseph Mbugua, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Roads, who attended on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport. In his address, he underscored the government’s commitment to integrating environmental sustainability and circular economy principles into infrastructure development.

Eng. Mbugua also highlighted ongoing investments in smart engineering solutions, including the development of a digital superhighway through fiber optic installations along major road corridors. According to the ministry, more than 630 Kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure have already been deployed, improving connectivity and supporting trade and economic integration.

On behalf of the University leadership, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Eng. Prof. Siphila Wanjiku, delivered remarks for the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson. She stressed the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in developing practical engineering solutions that respond to emerging technological and environmental challenges.

A high-level panel discussion later examined how innovation, artificial intelligence and new technologies are transforming infrastructure development and urban planning. Panelists included experts from government, academia and industry who explored how engineering knowledge can be leveraged to address national challenges while supporting sustainable growth.

The celebrations also included a symbolic tree planting exercise within the University of Nairobi campus led by the Chief Guest and senior engineering leaders. The activity highlighted the profession’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

World Engineering Day is marked globally to celebrate the contributions of engineers and inspire the next generation of innovators. For the University of Nairobi Faculty of Engineering, hosting the national celebrations reinforced its role in shaping the country’s engineering capacity and preparing future engineers to design solutions that improve lives and build a more sustainable future.