PS Ng’eno, Engineers Explore Collaboration on Green Infrastructure and Environmental Conservation
Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, has called for closer collaboration between the government and the engineering profession to advance environmental conservation, sustainable infrastructure development and climate resilience.
The Principal Secretary made the remarks when he hosted the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Council, led by its President, Eng. Harrison Keter, for discussions on integrating engineering solutions into national environmental priorities. The engagement focused on identifying areas of collaboration to promote sustainable infrastructure, strengthen environmental management and improve livelihoods through innovative, climate-responsive development approaches.
Dr. Ng’eno urged engineers to integrate tree growing into infrastructure development as part of broader efforts to expand Kenya’s tree cover, enhance environmental conservation and support the Presidential 15 Billion Tree Growing Campaign. He emphasized the importance of incorporating environmental considerations into infrastructure planning and implementation to ensure that development projects contribute to ecological restoration and long-term sustainability.
On water conservation and flood management, the Principal Secretary proposed the establishment of water pans alongside roads, where feasible, to harvest rainwater for community use while managing stormwater runoff and reducing the risk of flash floods. The proposal seeks to maximize the benefits of road infrastructure beyond transportation by incorporating water harvesting and drainage solutions that improve water availability and strengthen community resilience to climate-related risks.
The discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in waste management through the establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to promote waste segregation, recycling and resource recovery. The facilities would support sustainable waste management practices by enabling the recovery of reusable materials, reducing waste disposal pressures and encouraging the productive use of resources within a circular economy framework.
Dr. Ng’eno further called on IEK to leverage its technical expertise in supporting river restoration initiatives and the development of sustainable, climate-resilient urban infrastructure.The engagement underscored the critical role of engineers in designing and implementing infrastructure solutions that respond to environmental challenges while supporting sustainable economic development.
The proposed areas of collaboration are expected to strengthen synergies between environmental management and engineering practice, promoting infrastructure development that safeguards ecosystems, enhances climate resilience and delivers lasting benefits to communities.