The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has committed to expanding support for agricultural engineers as part of sweeping reforms aimed at boosting economic development. Through enhanced training, registration, and deployment of engineers in key areas such as irrigation, mechanisation, and post-harvest handling, EBK aims to strengthen the role of engineering in transforming the agricultural sector and improving food security.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to harness Kenya’s engineering potential, especially among the youth. One of the major proposals from the board includes dedicating 30 per cent of engineering investments toward the capacity building of local engineers. This investment is seen as critical in improving technical skills and ensuring local professionals are adequately equipped to handle the country’s growing infrastructure and development needs.
Currently, EBK is running the Graduate Engineers Internship Program (GEIP), which is exchequer-funded and has already supported over 500 engineers. More than 200 graduate engineers are presently undergoing structured training across various sectors. Despite this progress, the board expressed concern that 40 per cent of registered graduate engineers remain unemployed, contributing to talent attrition and undermining engineering productivity.
To address this, EBK is appealing for increased funding to ensure that all 1,500 graduate engineers produced annually can benefit from the programme. This, they say, would greatly enhance Kenya’s capacity to retain and utilize skilled engineering professionals within the country.
EBK is also leading efforts to promote environmentally compliant engineering practices, aligning with the National Climate Change Strategy. A multi-sectoral committee chaired by the Principal Secretary for Public Works is coordinating joint enforcement measures involving key agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), and the National Construction Authority.
A major innovation under this initiative is the soon-to-be-launched Integrated Project Compliance Portal, which will help streamline multi-agency approvals while ensuring environmental safeguards are upheld. This digital platform is expected to boost transparency and efficiency in project oversight.
Further resolutions adopted during a recent engineering convention in Nairobi included elevating engineering education, strengthening global mobility for engineers, improving infrastructure safety and quality, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration for national transformation.
On the academic front, 90 per cent of engineering programmes accredited by the Commission of University Education (CUE) are now recognised by EBK. The remaining programmes are expected to be fully aligned by June 2025. In addition, a bridging programme for graduates from unaccredited institutions is being developed in collaboration with the Committee of Deans of Engineering and is set to launch in the upcoming academic year.
In a significant international development, Kenya has been designated a regional centre of excellence for engineers under the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) Engineering Capacity Building African Programme. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Society of Engineers. Discussions are underway with Konza Technopolis on the establishment of the Kenya School of Engineering.
While EBK remains committed to its mandate as the national engineering regulator, it noted that current funding levels are inadequate to support its growing responsibilities. The board is calling for enhanced budgetary allocations to scale up its regulatory, training, and compliance roles in line with both national priorities and international obligations.
To date, EBK has registered over 27,000 engineers and licensed more than 170 consulting firms. The board continues to advocate for policy and financial support to bolster its operations, including enforcement of the Engineers (Scale of Fees for Professional Engineering Services) Rules, 2022.
In support of these reforms, the government has approved Career Progression Guidelines for engineers in public service. This is expected to improve talent retention and provide structured growth pathways within government departments.
