Current state and trajectory of design engineering in Kenya

Abstract

In the last few decades, the methods and models of engineering design practices have changed drastically due to the introduction of better technology and sophisticated design tools. Engineers are now moving away from manual design and drafting using A4 paper sheets, rulers and tri-squares to the use of computer-aided engineering tools in designing and manufacturing. These new advances in engineering design practices have led to huge increases in efficiency gains in engineering practices that, in turn, result in better infrastructure and, ultimately, economic growth and social development. Kenya needs to pay more attention to the changes in technology and expertise in the field of engineering to improve the nation’s economy. Even though Kenya, and Africa at large, are growing rapidly in technology and in the field of engineering design, there is still a big chasm between the continent and the developed countries in the practice and education of engineering design. This paper argues that more should be done in accelerating the uptake of engineering design technologies in Kenya and by the same token in the wider Africa.