Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology-RFTI Highways

The Roads Secretary,Eng.Gilbert Arasa commended the Conference as a significant milestone in fostering a research culture at KIHBT, noting that it had created an important platform for innovation, collaboration, and practical problem-solving within the roads and transport sector.
He further observed that the excursion visits to key infrastructure sites enriched the Conference experience by providing delegates with practical exposure to emerging technologies, infrastructure development practices, and sustainability initiatives.
He emphasized the need to strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and explore alternative financing mechanisms to bridge infrastructure funding gaps and accelerate sector growth.
The Secretary also reaffirmed the importance of continuous training, capacity building, and regular sector needs assessments to ensure responsiveness to emerging challenges and opportunities. In closing, he called upon all stakeholders to sustain the momentum generated by the Conference by implementing the resolutions and strengthening collaboration towards continuous improvement of the sector.

The Director, KIHBT Arch. Geoffrey Githiri ,expressed satisfaction with the successful delivery of the Conference to International standards and reflected on KIHBT’s journey and growth.

He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to making the Conference an annual event that will serve as a platform for sector dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, while strengthening partnerships among government, academia, and industry to address emerging challenges in the sector.

He thanked all the delegates ,sponsors and stakeholders for making the 1st KIHBT International Research Conference a success

Research Paper Presentations Exploring Road Safety, Active Mobility, E-Mobility, and Intelligent Transport Systems

Day 3
Panel discussion on Road Safety & Active Mobility and E-mobility & Intelligent Transport Systems Subthemes brought together experts from government, academia, and industry to discuss the future of urban mobility in Kenya, focusing on public transport, road safety, intelligent transport systems (ITS), and e-mobility.

Key insights included the need to prioritize infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as they constitute the majority of urban travelers, and to shift from measuring road development by kilometers to evaluating usability and inclusivity.

The importance of leadership and institutional integration was emphasized for successful implementation of systems like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Panelists highlighted the necessity of aligning investment with outcomes, not just physical expansion, and stressed the critical role of maintenance and local technical capacity for ITS and BRT sustainability. Training curricula are being updated to address emerging technologies, especially e-mobility, ensuring technicians are prepared for new safety and diagnostic challenges.

The discussion underscored the need for mindset shifts, innovative design, and coordinated policy to create safer, more accessible, and people-centered cities.

Eng. Oginga delivered a Key note speech on Road Safety and Active Mobility subtheme and discussed the major challenge of road sign vandalism, which contributes to more accidents than any other factor, and the importance of designing non-metallic signs to last longer.

Additionally, the importance of incorporating gender and disability inclusion in road construction was emphasized, along with the challenges of meeting international standards recommended by foreign consultants.

Statistics showed that approximately 4,000 people lose their lives every year due to road accidents in Kenya. He highlighted the importance of integrating technology, policy, innovation, and human resource development to improve transport, and efforts to establish modern transport systems such as Intelligent Transport Systems in major cities.

Collaboration between educational institutions and the transport sector was identified as essential for sustainable development

As part of the 1st KIHBT International Research Conference, delegates undertook excursions to Bamburi Cement Processing Plant, Bamburi Solar Plant, and Mtwapa Bridge, providing an opportunity to experience best practices and innovations shaping sustainable road transport.

Day 2;
Panel discussion focused on the critical need for sustainable financing and capacity development in Kenya's road transport sector.
Experts highlighted the challenges posed by traditional funding mechanisms, especially with the rise of electric vehicles reducing fuel levy revenues, and emphasized the urgency of exploring new financing models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The conversation covered the integration of advanced information management systems for project planning and accountability, importance of skill development for stakeholders and the enforcement of local content requirements in roads projects
Panelists also discussed ongoing policy reviews and the need for diversified revenue streams to maintain and expand the road network, aiming for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready infrastructure system.

1st KIHBT International Research Conference 2026
Day 2
Eng. Kefa Seda, Director General,Public Private Partnerships Directorate delivered a key note address on Financing, Policy & Regulatory Framework subtheme.