KIHBT Conference Day 2 Wrap: Excursions Deliver Practical Insights Before Final Closing Sessions

Day one of the 1st KIHBT International Research Conference ended on a strong note Wednesday after panels on climate resilience. Day two shifted to field excursions around the coastal region.

The opening ceremony on Wednesday saw Principal Secretary for Roads Joseph Mbugua as chief guest alongside PS for TVET Dr. Esther Muoria. Keynote speeches stressed skills and innovation for the road sector. Eng. Musuni handed over a token of appreciation to PS Mbugua. Delegates then networked before technical sessions.

The main plenary examined climate resilience alongside sustainable technologies and construction materials. Panellists highlighted cobblestone technology and low-volume sealed roads for their durability, lower costs and local job creation.

Speakers pushed the train-the-trainer model to embed new approaches locally. They noted Kenya has no shortage of plans but often sees political decisions override technical advice. The need to turn research into on-ground results came up repeatedly.

Organisers announced excursions for day two during closing remarks. These visits gave participants direct exposure to relevant sites, allowing them to connect earlier discussions on materials and resilience to actual conditions.

By all accounts the field component generated fresh observations. Delegates returned with notes on practical challenges around implementation in coastal environments, from soil conditions to maintenance realities. Informal conversations during the day reinforced the value of mixing classroom-style panels with site visits.

The three-day event at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort runs until Friday, May 22. Tomorrow’s final day will feature wrap-up panels, research presentations and stakeholder recommendations focused on capacity building for sustainable road transport.

Key partners remain engaged throughout. These include KeNHA, KURA, KeRRA, JICA, EASTRIP, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and Taita Taveta University. Their combined presence keeps the dialogue anchored in both policy and delivery.

KIHBT, founded in 1952 under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, continues to expand beyond its traditional training role in Nairobi. This inaugural international conference signals growing ambition to shape research and skills policy in Kenya’s expanding road network.

As the event heads into its final stretch, expectations centre on concrete takeaways. Delegates anticipate clearer pathways for adopting resilient technologies and strengthening training systems across government and private players.