AI Set to Take Center Stage at Global Engineering Conference
Over 3,000 delegates from the global engineering community are set to converge in Mombasa as Kenya places artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation at the heart of its future infrastructure agenda.
The delegates including engineering professionals, policymakers, innovators, and academics from across the world will meet at the 32nd Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) International Convention.
Participants at the conference themed “Engineering the Future: The Roadmap for Kenya,” will explore among other things how AI, robotics, and digital tools are reshaping the engineering profession and driving the country’s infrastructure transformation.
IEK President, Eng. Shammah Kiteme, noted the rise of AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity for engineers to future-proof their skills.
“While the engineer will not be replaced by AI, the engineer will be replaced by an engineer who is competent with AI, therefore the convention This convention offers an opportunity for us to enhance our skills and align with global standards of competence,” he said during official opening of the convention in Nairobi.
The main convention event scheduled for 25th to 28th November 2025, and already has confirmation from participants from Singapore, Russia, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa among others.
Principal Secretary for Roads, Eng. Joseph M. Mbugua reaffirmed engineering’s critical role in achieving the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030, emphasizing sustainability, technology transfer, and innovation as key drivers of equitable growth.
Recently, Kenya signed agreements with Chinese development partners to expand transport corridors, highways, bridges, and the rail network.
“Kenyan engineers must be at the centre of the transfer of knowledge and skills within such mega programmes,” he said when he officiated the opening ceremony of the convention.
IEK has also advanced policy proposals, including the employment of 10,000 engineers in sectors such as housing, irrigation, energy, and manufacturing to fast-track Kenya’s industrialization.
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