The University of Nairobi played host to a high-level workshop as part of the 10th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The event, focused on "Engineering and Sustainable Development in Kenya," brought together government officials, industry leaders, and academia to address critical challenges facing the continent.

Prof. Siphila W. Mumenya, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, highlighted the persistent gender gap in the field. "At the moment, of the over 2500 registered engineers in the country, only 211 are women," she highlighted, calling for greater efforts to increase female participation in STEM education and careers. The importance of gender equity in engineering was further emphasized throughout the day.

Chief guest Prof. Dickson Andala, Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Fund, delivered a powerful keynote speech underscoring the central role of engineering in national development. "Engineering is at the heart of Kenya's economic growth. Engineers are the architects of the new age," he stated, calling for greater investment in the sector to bolster Kenya's infrastructure and technology capabilities.

Prof. Francis Mulaa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise at the University of Nairobi, challenged the current educational landscape, particularly the prioritization of certain subjects over others. "Why is English a compulsory subject and engineering solutions are not?" he posed, advocating for a curriculum that emphasizes the practical needs of the country and fosters innovation.

The workshop featured thematic panels with various government and state actors participating. Prof. Faith Karanja, a renowned geospatial expert from the Faculty of Engineering, presented on the sub-theme "Women in Engineering," offering insights on closing the gender gap in the field.

The event highlighted Kenya's commitment to leveraging engineering for sustainable development, aligning with both the UN's 2030 Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063. As Africa faces rapid urbanization and climate change challenges, the role of engineers in creating innovative solutions has never been more critical.