Kenya's Engineers Open High-Level Infrastructure Finance Training

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has announced the commencement of a Certified PPP Professional (CP3P) Foundation training program, designed to equip local professionals with the skills required to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of infrastructure procurement.

Scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026, the course arrives at a time when the Kenyan government is leaning heavily on private sector capital to fund large-scale projects. The training is structured in two distinct phases, combining virtual self-paced learning with a physical residency.

Module 1 will run from April 6 to May 5, consisting of online sessions that allow participants to engage with the material remotely. Successful completion of this virtual component is a mandatory prerequisite for those wishing to attend the second phase of the program.

The second module will transition to an in-person format, held at the Lake Naivasha Resort from May 11 to May 15. This final week includes the certification exam, which is a global standard for practitioners in the Public-Private Partnership sector.

Participants who complete the full course will earn 20 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points, a vital requirement for registered engineers maintaining their professional standing with the IEK.

The training will be led by two seasoned industry experts, Mary Waithiegeni Chege and Andre Kruger. Chege is a practicing Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a recognized leader in the energy and projects sector. With 25 years of experience, she has advised on diverse projects including cross-border gas pipelines, bulk fuel storage, and broadband network infrastructure.

Joining her is Andre Kruger, who brings over 40 years of banking experience. Kruger has a specialized focus on public-sector clients and has spent nearly two decades training officials in infrastructure financing and credit structuring across Africa. His portfolio includes consultancy for the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation.

The curriculum is designed to cover the entire lifecycle of a project, ensuring that attendees understand the nuances of the PPP process. The learning outcomes are divided into seven core competencies:

* 01 Identify Infra Needs

* 02 Generate Pipeline

* 03 VfM Life Cycle Costs

* 04 Risk Management

* 05 Project Structuring

* 06 Project Procurement

* 07 Contract Management

The cost of the program is set at Ksh. 200,000, which covers the training, examination fees, and certification. However, the IEK has clarified that this fee is exclusive of accommodation for the Naivasha leg of the course.

Prospective trainees face a tight deadline, as the payment cut-off is fixed for March 31, 2026. The IEK has emphasized that payments must be made upfront to gain access to the preliminary training materials required for the virtual sessions.

As President Ruto continues to advocate for private investment in the housing and transport sectors, the demand for certified professionals who can manage these contracts is expected to rise. The locals often look to these projects for employment and improved services, making the role of the PPP professional critical in ensuring project viability.

By aligning local expertise with international standards like the CP3P, the IEK aims to reduce the risks associated with infrastructure delivery in the region. This initiative marks a concerted effort to professionalize the management of Kenya's multi-billion-shilling infrastructure pipeline.