By Gran Chico and Dorish Moraa | May 20, 2026
MOMBASA, KENYA — The Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) has officially launched its first-ever International Research Conference on Sustainable Road Transport in Mombasa, bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the future of transport infrastructure and skills development.
The three-day conference, which began on Wednesday at the PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa, is expected to run until May 22 and has attracted more than 300 participants from government institutions, academia, development partners, the private sector, and international organizations.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Capacity Building and Skills Development for Sustainable Road Transport,” the conference marks a major milestone for KIHBT and the State Department for Roads in promoting innovation and sustainability within Kenya’s transport sector.
The event is supported by the World Bank through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), reinforcing Kenya’s efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and regional integration in infrastructure development.
Speaking during the opening session, Principal Secretary for Roads Eng. Joseph Mbugua said the conference seeks to bring together researchers, engineers, implementers, and innovators to examine existing gaps and develop new technologies for infrastructure growth.
“We are bringing together all the players in the industry, the researchers, implementers, and innovators who want to enhance infrastructure development in this country,” said Mbugua. “We want to evaluate how business has been done and identify the areas that require improvement to move the country forward.”
The Roads PS also highlighted the historical importance of KIHBT, describing it as one of Kenya’s oldest technical institutions, established before 1943 and instrumental in training engineers, technicians, plant operators, and other infrastructure professionals.
He noted that while Kenya may not necessarily face a shortage of skilled personnel, the bigger challenge lies in creating employment opportunities for graduates exiting TVET institutions.
Also addressing the conference, Principal Secretary for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, emphasized the importance of excellence and innovation in training professionals for the future.
“Kenya is now a construction site,” said Dr. Muoria. “The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are training people for business as usual or preparing professionals who can compete globally and deliver excellence.”
Over the next three days, participants will engage in panel discussions, research paper presentations, policy dialogues, exhibitions, and networking sessions focusing on sustainable transport systems, innovation, financing, regulatory frameworks, and technical skills development.
The conference will also include site visits to infrastructure projects aimed at showcasing practical transport solutions and emerging technologies in the sector.
Organizers say the forum is expected to strengthen collaboration between training institutions, government agencies, private sector players, and development partners while helping bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation in road transport systems.
As deliberations continue, the conference is expected to shape future strategies for sustainable infrastructure development and reinforce Kenya’s position as a regional leader in transport innovation.
