PS Mbugua Calls for Intelligent Engineering Systems to Accelerate Infrastructure Development

Principal Secretary for Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, has called for greater adoption of intelligent engineering systems and emerging technologies to accelerate infrastructure development, improve project delivery and enhance value for public investment.
The PS made the remarks yesterday in Nairobi when he presided over the media launch of the 33rd International Convention of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
The #IEKConvention2026 will be held from 24–27 November 2026 in Mombasa under the theme, “Intelligent Systems for Accelerated and Sustainable Growth.”
Eng. Mbugua said the rapid advancement of technology presents an opportunity for Kenya’s engineering profession to transform the way infrastructure is planned, designed, constructed, monitored and maintained.
He noted that technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and predictive maintenance can strengthen decision-making, improve project planning, reduce project delays and enhance efficiency in the delivery and maintenance of road infrastructure.
The PS said the integration of intelligent systems into engineering practice would enable the country to make better use of data, optimise resources and improve the quality and sustainability of infrastructure investments.
He reaffirmed the State Department for Roads’ commitment to digital transformation and the development of home-grown engineering solutions that respond to Kenya’s infrastructure needs and support the country’s development priorities.
Eng. Mbugua emphasised that technology-driven transformation in the engineering sector requires deliberate collaboration among Government, industry, academia and professional institutions to develop the skills, innovations and solutions needed to address emerging infrastructure challenges.
He commended IEK President Eng. Harrison Keter and the institution’s leadership for convening the international forum, noting that the Convention provides an important platform for engineers and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share innovations and explore practical solutions for sustainable development.
The PS encouraged engineers, policymakers, industry players, academia and other stakeholders to participate widely in the Convention and contribute to discussions that will shape the future of engineering and infrastructure development in Kenya.
He also urged the media to highlight the critical role of engineering in national development, particularly its contribution to solving complex challenges, creating economic opportunities, improving infrastructure and transforming the lives of Kenyans.
Eng. Mbugua further officially unveiled the IEK Convention 2026 publicity campaign, marking the start of the Convention’s public awareness activities ahead of the four-day event in Mombasa.
Also present at the launch was the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, underscoring the importance of technology, innovation and digital transformation in advancing Kenya’s development agenda.
The 33rd IEK International Convention is expected to bring together engineers, policymakers, industry experts, researchers, academia and other stakeholders to explore how intelligent systems and emerging technologies can support faster, more efficient and sustainable development.
For the State Department for Roads, the Convention provides an important platform to advance the conversation on how engineering innovation, digital technologies and intelligent systems can strengthen infrastructure delivery and contribute to a safer, more efficient and seamlessly connected Kenya.
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