0
0
Over 350 delegates gathered for the 3rd Annual Convention of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) from August 28th to 30th, 2024, to address the pressing issue of bridging the gap between engineering academia and industry. The event, themed ‘Engineering and Engineering Materials Equipment,’ brought together industry experts, academia, and engineering professionals to discuss enhancing collaboration for improved practical knowledge and industry application.
The forum highlighted how the disconnect between academic training and industry needs has hindered the growth and vibrancy of the engineering profession in Kenya. This gap has led to stagnation, slowing the profession’s contribution to economic development. Experts at the convention emphasized the need to harness professional productivity to keep pace with modern technology and innovation, aiming to set new standards for conventional thinking and problem-solving to address community and human challenges.
Eng. Erastus Mwongera, Chairman of the Engineers Board of Kenya, spoke during the opening session, stressing the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of engineering. “The future of engineering lies in our ability to innovate and lead. By working together and fostering collaboration, we can ensure a more resilient engineering sector,” Mwongera asserted. He also outlined ongoing initiatives to address the challenges faced by the profession, including increasing registration numbers, fast-tracking career progression guidelines, and expanding the Graduate Engineers Internship Program.
The convention also saw Eng. Jane Mutilili, Chair of ACEK, challenge engineers to exceed existing boundaries and enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness. “I challenge engineers to push beyond boundaries to enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness through the integration of advanced technologies and materials in building projects,” Mutilili said.
Currently, Kenya has 584 registered consulting engineers, 3,107 professional engineers, and 22,141 graduate engineers. The convention’s discussions and resolutions are expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the profession and aligning it with contemporary technological advancements and industry requirements.
The ACEK Annual Convention continues to serve as a critical platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities within the engineering sector, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry professionals
