Kenyan engineers may soon get recognition from the International Engineering Authority (IEA) through the recent mentorship of their Malaysian and Pakistani counterparts.
The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) Chairman Erastus Mwongera says the earlier plan was shelved due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic but expressed optimism that the accreditation was likely to be finalized by 2023.
He said the Board of Engineers from Malaysia and the Institution of Engineers of Pakistan had agreed to offer a road map to make the exercise a reality.
Mwongera made the revelation in Kwale County during the 29th IEK Convention happening in Diani, saying the accreditation was likely to occur in 2024.
He recognized the role played by professionals adding that an Engineer was molded from the early stages of kindergarten, exposed to engineering activities, and encouraged to create a strong interest in sciences and mathematics.
Engineering, he said, is a very demanding course and that’s why most of the students who go to engineering have a grade A score.
Explaining the role of education in engineering, Mwongera reiterated that universities play a very critical role in molding the life of an engineer adding that institutions offering courses and programs on engineering must be certified by the relevant board.
“It is for their benefit because when they become members of the International Alliance, they are the biggest beneficiaries and they shall attract international students. Their lecturers will be marketable locally and globally; therefore, it is a win-win situation for everyone,” said Mwongera.
Speaking at the same occasion, President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Erick Ohaga said his institution is working closely with the academia to review the curriculum and reflect what the industry is experiencing.
“Already some of the universities like the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture have already introduced climate mitigation measures meaning they are responding to the market requirement of mitigating climate change,” said Eng. Ohaga.
“We currently encourage our design engineers to ensure that the designs are subjected to climate change resilient conditions,” he added.
Eng. Ohaga said the collaboration framework between the Institution of Engineers and Academia is getting stronger every day.
