Emerging engineers urged to embrace innovation, AI to shape Kenya’s future

President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, Shammah Kiteme, presenting a gift to Caroline Wanjeri, Director of Mortgage Business at KCB Bank, during the Future Leaders Summit in Mombasa./COURTESY

Young engineers have been challenged to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence (AI) as key tools for driving Kenya’s next phase of infrastructure and economic growth. 

Speakers who spoke during the ongoing 4th Future Leaders’ summit of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) in Mombasa highlighted the pivotal role emerging engineers will play in shaping the nation’s future.

They urged the group to prepare for a rapidly changing technological landscape, noting that engineering is entering an era where human intelligence must integrate with innovations like AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

“At the centre of everything we build, from infrastructure and housing to energy networks and digital systems, stands an engineer. But the engineer of tomorrow must be visionary, adaptable, and skilled in new technologies, especially AI,” KCB's Director of Mortgage Business Caroline Kihara said.

Kihara said the country’s multi-billion-shilling investments in roads, power, urban development, and digital infrastructure rely heavily on the competence and creativity of engineers.

This year’s summit is themed “Engineering the Future: The Role of Emerging Engineers.”

Highlighting four key forces shaping Africa’s next generation of engineers, entrepreneurship, leadership, talent development, and innovation, Kihara said all are strengthened by adopting emerging technologies.

She noted that AI is already transforming infrastructure design, smart city planning, predictive maintenance, and environmental monitoring.

“AI is not replacing engineers; it is amplifying the engineer’s mind. Those who learn to use it will not just survive, they will lead,” she added.

Kihara also underscored mentorship, urging experienced engineers to “leave grounded ladders” for the next generation and inspire young people to pursue STEM careers.

She reminded participants that engineering excellence must be grounded in integrity and ethical responsibility, especially as digital systems become more integrated into public infrastructure.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on his part stressed the importance of rigorous standards, professionalism, and ethical conduct. 

“These are essential to delivering projects that not only build resilient infrastructure but also protect ecosystems and promote inclusive growth. Achieving this demands engineering excellence underpinned by strong institutions, transparent governance, and strict accountability,” he said. 

Echoing her remarks, IEK President Shammah Kiteme said young engineers should see themselves not just as contributors but as central architects of Kenya’s future. 

“You can look at the future, yes. But you can actually engineer the future,” he said. “We must occupy the spaces that define national development.” 

Kiteme highlighted the government’s ambitions in power generation, roads expansion, digitalisation, and manufacturing, urging engineers to take the lead. 

He warned against complacency in an increasingly competitive field: “Everyone is fighting for their survival. If we don’t fight for our rightful space, we will stay on the back foot forever,” he said. 

He encouraged emerging engineers to take risks, embrace leadership, and equip themselves with hybrid skills that combine technical expertise with digital literacy and innovation.

The summit brought together young professionals, industry leaders, and mentors committed to empowering the next generation of engineers.