Engineers Discourage Over reliance on Imports

Last Updated 13 years ago by Kenya Engineer

Over reliance on imports is a major hindrance to industrialization in Kenya hence a major setback in the development of counties. This came out clear at the ongoing Engineers’ International Conference at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

These remarks were first pointed out by IEK chairman Eng. Riungu in his opening speech. Eng. Riungu said that Kenya had the potential and ability to manufacture most of the products that are imported but this does not happen because of the country’s over-reliance on imports. While presenting his paper on ‘Industrialization of Counties and Vision 2030’, Prof. Francis Gichaga also noted Kenya’s over-dependence on imported products. He said there was a need for Kenyan Engineers to be empowered so as to be able to effectively compete with their foreign counterparts. Prof Gichaga also called for empowering of learning institutions to ensure they gave quality training in various Engineering disciplines. He further called upon IEK to demand that Engineers provide quality services and produce quality products. Prof. Gichaga also emphasised on the need for Kenya to shift from heavy reliance on Agriculture and venture into farming. On his part, Engineer Chebi while presenting his paper on Nano technology and the role it will play in county Industrialization, he called out to the government to increase funding in research and development. Eng. Chebi further pointed that for Kenya to achieve the Vision 2030 it had to industrialize. While responding to a question from a delegate if the Jua Kali sector players were considered manufacturers and hence a positive step towards industrialization, Eng Riungu acknowledged and pointed out the need for them to be empowered. “We need to reach out to them and give them some financial power and infrastructure. They won’t come to us, we are the ones to go out to them.” he said.