EBK launches EPC 2026 to grow Blue Economy
HILDA CHESHARI -MYGOV
The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has formally kicked off preparations for the Engineering Partnerships Convention (EPC) 2026, unveiling a bold agenda to harness the country’s Blue Economy as a driver of prosperity, sustainability, and job creation.
The convention, scheduled for April in Mombasa, will bring together government, regulators, academia, industry, and professional bodies under the theme “Blueprint for Prosperity: Engineering a Sustainable Blue Economy.”
At the media launch in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir emphasized that engineering decisions made today will determine whether Kenya’s Blue Economy is competitive, safe, and sustainable for decades to come.
“Priority areas include port modernization, coastal transport corridors, lastmile connectivity to productive zones, and inland water transport facilities,” he said.
“These investments are expected to reduce the cost of doing business and unlock value chains critical to trade competitiveness and climate resilience,” said Chirchir.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Secretary for the State Department for Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua (pictured), the CS said that Principal a pressing challenge is the shortage of marine engineers.
Chirchir disclosed that while EBK has registered over 28,000 engineers, fewer than 100 marine engineers graduate annually from just two accredited universities.
“This mismatch between ambition and human capital has raised concerns about the country’s ability to fully exploit its maritime potential. EPC 2026 will therefore spotlight training, accreditation, industrial attachments, and research partnerships as urgent priorities to build capacity,” noted the CS.
Commenting on quality assurance and professional practice, Chirchir pledged to work closely with EBK, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), and other stakeholders to enforce standards, improve coordination, and strengthen systems for project delivery, supervision, and maintenance.
Ethical conduct and accountability, he noted, are essential to ensuring infrastructure projects deliver long-term value.
Noting that the stakes are significant, Chirchir pointed out that the country’s Blue Economy is projected to contribute more than Sh 470 billion to GDP and create over 2 million jobs by 2030.
He stressed that this will not happen by chance but through deliberate investment in infrastructure, innovation, and skills, supported by consistent policy and strong partnerships.
The CS pointed out that the EPC 2026 is designed to serve as the national platform for alignment and action to achieve these goals.
Ahead of the April gathering, the CS said that several pre-convention forums are planned, including a Technical Dialogue on Marine Infrastructure and a National Symposium on Marine Engineering Education and Innovation.
He said that these engagements aim to refine priorities and ensure EPC 2026 produces practical recommendations and bankable partnerships.
The CS invited the private sector and development partners to support EPC 2026 through sponsorships, exhibitions, innovation showcases, and capacity development initiatives.
He said that this will ensure the convention connects emerging solutions with real national needs and investment opportunities. Chirchir urged the media to amplify the message that engineering is central to jobs, competitiveness, and resilience.
By highlighting solutions and exposing challenges, the CS said that journalists can help keep the public informed and engaged in the national conversation on sustainable development.
As EPC 2026 approaches, Chirchir pointed out that Kenya is signalling its intent to engineer prosperity through sustainable maritime development.
“With infrastructure, skills, and standards at the forefront, the convention is expected to chart a course toward a resilient and competitive Blue Economy that delivers jobs and growth for generations to come,” noted the CS.