Kenya’s infrastructure development stands to gain substantially if the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) recommendations are implemented.
At a side event during the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme called for a nationwide transition to digital approval systems for engineering projects. This shift aims to reduce bureaucratic delays that currently hamper construction timelines.
“The delays caused by outdated systems hinder progress,” Eng. Kiteme stated, highlighting the inefficiencies of manual processes.
He emphasised that digital platforms could streamline approvals, reduce paperwork, and expedite project delivery at both national and county levels.
Manual Systems Still Hamper County-Level Progress
Currently, many counties rely on paper-based submissions and face persistent issues such as lost documents and slow interdepartmental communication, factors that collectively delay infrastructure development.
The session, attended by industry leaders and government officials, focused on leveraging technology to improve infrastructure delivery across Kenya’s 47 counties.
Digital Successes in the Transport Sector Offer a Blueprint
IEK Vice President Eng. Ogut highlighted the transformative impact of digital systems in public service delivery. He cited successful implementations in the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and commercial vehicle sectors, where digital platforms now support online registration, inspections, and operator outreach.
“By onboarding services online, we’ve ensured equitable access and sensitised operators during inspections,” he said. These platforms have replaced cumbersome manual processes that previously required physical visits and extensive paperwork.
Cybersecurity and System Reliability Remain Key Challenges
Despite the benefits, Eng. Ogut cautioned that digital transformation comes with risks, including cybersecurity threats and system reliability concerns.
“Counties must build redundancy, backup systems, and robust security measures to counter breaches and downtime,” he advised, referencing the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) as a model of resilient infrastructure.
Some counties continue to experience frequent system outages due to limited IT infrastructure and the absence of disaster recovery protocols, exposing critical services to unnecessary risk.
Interoperability and Data Sharing Are Essential
A key highlight of the discussion was the need for interagency linkages to enable interoperability. Eng. Ogut explained that integrated digital systems allow seamless data exchange between national and county governments, significantly boosting efficiency.
For example, platforms linked to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) now enable real-time verification of vehicle tax compliance, insurance status, and ownership records.
“Our system integrates with KRA to confirm chassis numbers and insurance status, ensuring compliance,” he said, noting that such integrations were previously fragmented due to siloed data systems.
Kenya’s road infrastructure database, maintained by the Kenya Roads Board, is also now connected to digital platforms to improve coordination of road maintenance and development projects.
Unified Platforms Could Transform Service Delivery
Eng. Ogut urged counties to proactively negotiate data-sharing agreements early in the planning phase to support interoperability. This ensures that citizens and agencies can access services through unified platforms with role-based access controls, an upgrade from today’s fragmented, paper-heavy systems.
IEK’s Vision Aligns with Devolution Goals
IEK’s push for digital transformation aligns with Kenya’s broader devolution objectives, aimed at improving service delivery and accelerating infrastructure development.
By adopting these recommendations, counties stand to benefit from faster project approvals, more equitable service access, and stronger collaboration across government levels, laying the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and digitally empowered Kenya.
