The Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT), a training division under the State Department for Roads successfully concluded its inaugural International Research Conference, marking a significant milestone in the Institute’s journey towards advancing research, innovation, and capacity building within the roads sector.
Held from 20th to 22nd May 2026 at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, the Conference brought together about 300 delegates from Kenya and across the region under the theme, “Enhancing Capacity Building and Skills Development for Sustainable Road Transport.”
The three-day event attracted delegates from government institutions, policymakers, development partners, researchers, engineers, consultants, contractors, county government representatives, academia, private sector players, and students. The Conference provided a unique platform for stakeholders to deliberate on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of sustainable road transport.
Eng. Joseph Mbugua Principal Secretary, State Department for Roads (Centre) Dr Esther Muoria Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET and KIHBT Board of Management.
Organized by KIHBT with support from the World Bank-funded East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), the Conference underscored the critical role of skills development, research, and innovation in supporting infrastructure development and economic growth.
During the opening ceremony graced by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua described KIHBT as a critical institution in strengthening the technical and professional capacity required to support Kenya’s growing infrastructure development.
“Research, innovation and well-trained professionals are not luxuries, they are strategic investments that secure the future of our infrastructure, economy and national competitiveness,” said the Principal Secretary.
He emphasized the need for evidence-based and forward-looking infrastructure solutions to address emerging challenges in the transport sector
‘Climate change has introduced a new reality and as engineers and technicians, when the environment changes the road, the designer must change the structure, we must rethink standards, specifications and mitigations measures with scientific precision.”
The Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, said the conference comes at a pivotal moment in Kenya’s development journey, where infrastructure expansion must be matched by high-quality technical skills, innovation and institutional capacity.
“Train the young people with an end in mind, and with the excellence with which it must be done” said the Principal Secretary, TVET
Throughout the Conference, participants engaged in robust discussions through keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, paper presentations, exhibitions, and networking forums. Deliberations focused on key thematic areas including sustainable road transport, road safety and active mobility, climate resilience, e-mobility and intelligent transport systems, financing and regulatory frameworks, diversity and inclusivity, training and capacity building, Greening and digitalization, and emerging technologies in the transport sector.
Research paper presentations formed a central component of the Conference, providing an opportunity for researchers and practitioners to share findings, innovations, and practical solutions to challenges facing the roads and transport sector. The discussions highlighted the need for evidence-based policymaking, enhanced research collaboration, and adoption of innovative technologies to support sustainable transport systems.
A key highlight of the conference was the emphasis on the importance of strengthening partnerships between government, academia, industry, and development partners. Discussions also underscored the need for continuous capacity building, regular sector skills assessments, and investment in research to address evolving infrastructure demands.
The Conference further provided a platform for exhibitors and industry partners to showcase innovative products, technologies, and services relevant to road construction, maintenance, and sustainable infrastructure development. Delegates had an opportunity to interact with exhibitors and explore solutions that can contribute to improved efficiency and sustainability within the sector.
Beyond the conference sessions, delegates participated in technical excursions to Bamburi Cement, Bamburi Solar Plant, and Mtwapa Bridge. These visits provided firsthand exposure to infrastructure development, industrial processes, renewable energy solutions, and sustainability practices, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.
“Seeing these projects firsthand brought the discussions to life. It demonstrated how innovation and sustainability can be integrated into real-world infrastructure development,” remarked one delegate
During the Ag. Director, KIHBT Arch. Geoffrey Githiri closing remarks,he expressed pride in the successful delivery of the Conference and reflected on the Institute’s journey over the years.
“This Conference has demonstrated that KIHBT is not only a centre for training but also a platform for research, innovation, and sector dialogue. We are committed to making this Conference an annual event that will continue to generate solutions for the roads and transport sector,” he said.
Participants during the KIHBT Inaugural International Research Conference on Sustainable Road Transport
The Director further noted that the Conference had laid the foundation for a stronger research culture within the Institute and would serve as a catalyst for deeper collaboration between government, academia, industry, and development partners.
The Ag. Roads Secretary, State Department for Roads, Eng. Gilbert Arasa while officially closing the Conference, described the event as a significant milestone for both KIHBT and the wider transport sector.
“The conversations we have had over the past three days must now translate into action. We must continue investing in skills development, strengthen Public-Private Partnerships, explore innovative financing mechanisms, and implement the recommendations emerging from this Conference,” he said.
He further commended KIHBT for creating a platform that encourages knowledge sharing, innovation, and practical problem-solving while advancing discussions on sustainable transport solutions.
As delegates departed Mombasa, there was a shared sense that the inaugural Conference had achieved far more than its organizers initially envisioned. It had created new partnerships, sparked new ideas, strengthened professional networks, and established a platform capable of influencing the future direction of the transport sector.
The success of the 1st KIHBT International Research Conference reaffirmed the Institute’s role as a leading Centre for capacity building and skills development in the road’s subsector.
With the inaugural edition successfully concluded, KIHBT has set a strong foundation for future conferences and reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient transport sector for Kenya and the region.
By Beatrice Njenga, Communication Officer, Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT)
