The Infrustructure Development in Kenya

Kenya is undergoing massive infrastructural development for achievement of its development blue-print, Vision 2030. To meet the country’s infrastructure needs, the Kenyan government is in the course of implementing expansion and modernisation of our roads to enable sustained economic growth, development and a transport network that is globally acceptable. However, the transportation system in Kenya is grappling with a myriad of challenges, key among them: massive congestion in urban areas, sub-standard transportation facilities and lack of urban transport policies.

My proposed study would enhance my ability to make a greater contribution to our transport system and in line with the Vision 2030. The modules on highway engineering would teach me the fundamental concepts relating to the process of planning and route location, designing, constructing, condition monitoring and maintaining highways. These are essential skills that would be applicable in increasing mobility and enhancing connectivity between resources, processing points and terminal markets especially in the expansion of roads programme aimed to construct and rehabilitate national and county roads network.

Nairobi is ranked among the cities with the worst traffic jams. As we work towards decongestion of our cities, urban areas and municipalities, courses such as public transport planning and management would be vital in helping me understand the development of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) through Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and Light Rail Transit (LRT). The skills acquired would be helpful in learning how to plan the scheduling of public transport operations to reduce delays, demand forecasting, cost modelling, pricing policies and principles on regulation as the government seeks to manage public transport in Kenya. This will discourage low occupancy vehicles among Kenyans and encourage mass transportation system.

According to the Engineers Board of Kenya database, Kenya has a total of 12,433 engineers serving a population of approximately 48.46 million. Of these, 1,758 are registered professional engineers, 376 registered consulting engineers and 10,299 graduate engineers. This places emphasis on the capacity gap caused by poorly trained graduates who hardly fit market demands. The Commonwealth scholarship would benefit my country directly by building my capacity as an engineer working in the public sector on transport infrastructure projects. It will give me an opportunity to embrace competitive engineering while acquiring knowledge for building my country and furthering my competence by interacting with world class engineering practices and professionals in the field of transport.

Lastly, I intend to build on relationships made during the Commonwealth and to use the networks to advance education and offer mentorship to the youth – especially women – particularly in their professional growth and the responsibilities they play in sustaining national development. The valuable network gained from the Institution of Civil Engineers and Institution of Highways and Transport will be a great opportunity to learn technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills. These can be integrated into our professional engineering bodies in offering strategic solutions that will stimulate new initiatives, creativity, innovation and inspirational vision for Kenya.