The Institution of Engineering Technology of Kenya (IETK) leaders led by the President Bibiye Mahmoud Juma, have highlighted the importance of engineering technology in agriculture, particularly as Kenya seeks to increase food production and reduce dependence on imports.
They said mechanization was critical to transforming agriculture from subsistence production into a modern, productive and commercially viable sector.
Dr. Cecilia Ngetich, who championed the enactment of the engineering technology legislation, during her tenure as Woman representative for Bomet County between 2013 and 2017, said engineering technologists, technicians, artisans and craftspeople were essential in putting agricultural technologies into practical use at the grassroots.
“Nothing you can think of is not technical,” she said, emphasizing the role of technology in modern agriculture.
She affirmed that mechanization could help Kenya increase food production, improve efficiency and enhance resilience to changing weather conditions.
The engineering technology fraternity also pointed to innovations in seeds, machinery and other agricultural technologies as evidence of how technical skills could help address food security challenges.
The leaders said Kenya should harness its engineering and technical capacity to produce more food locally rather than continue relying heavily on imports.
Prof. Charles Ondieki, Former Honorary Treasurer and Council member, argued that investing in engineering technology would not only boost food security but also create employment opportunities for young people while supporting local manufacturing and industrialization.
The leaders spoke during the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Engineering Technology Act, 2016, in Eldoret which provided an opportunity for members of the profession to recognise individuals who played a role in securing the Engineering Technology Act and to reflect on the progress made since its enactment.
Juma said the profession remained committed to supporting the Government’s development agenda by providing the technical expertise needed to translate policies, resources and innovations into tangible projects.
She urged the Government to address the regulatory gaps affecting the sector, saying a fully operational regulatory framework would enable engineering technologists and technicians to contribute more effectively to industrialization, public safety, innovation and sustainable economic development.
The leaders said strengthening engineering technology was critical if Kenya was to realize its long-term development ambitions and build a workforce capable of designing, implementing and maintaining the infrastructure and technologies required to drive the economy.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
