University of Nairobi Hosts KeSEBAE 2026 Conference on AI-Driven Sustainable Development

The Kenya Society of Environmental, Biological and Agricultural Engineers (KeSEBAE) successfully hosted its 2026 Annual Conference on June 22–23, 2026, at the University of Nairobi Towers, bringing together engineers, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and students from universities across Kenya. The conference served as a premier platform for discussing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can accelerate sustainable development and address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Held under the theme, “Artificial Intelligence for the Transformation of Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure and the Environment,” conference focused on the growing role of AI-driven technologies in enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening resilient infrastructure, accelerating industrial growth, and promoting environmental sustainability. Through keynote presentations, technical discussions, research dissemination, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, participants explored innovative solutions that position engineering at the center of Africa’s technological and economic transformation.

Opening the conference, Prof. Ayub Gitau, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and competence-based education. He highlighted ongoing efforts to advance the University’s Engineering and Science Complex and emphasized the importance of mentorship, succession planning, and creating opportunities for young professionals within the engineering sector.

Prof. Gitau also acknowledged the contributions of past and present engineering leaders and underscored the significance of the Journal of Engineering, Agriculture and the Environment in promoting research dissemination. He further commended KeSEBAE for its investment in students, young engineers, and women engineers, noting that such initiatives are essential for strengthening the profession and ensuring sustainable growth.

Speaking during the conference, Eng. Prof. Lawrence Gumbe, President of KeSEBAE, emphasized the importance of the conference theme and the expanding influence of AI across key sectors of development. He noted that AI is revolutionizing infrastructure through smart planning systems, digital twins, intelligent construction technologies, smart transportation networks, and enhanced safety monitoring mechanisms.

In the environmental sector, Prof. Gumbe highlighted the application of AI in climate change monitoring, intelligent environmental management, smart energy systems, circular economy initiatives, and pollution control. He stressed that engineers have a critical responsibility to lead the adoption and implementation of these technologies in order to position Kenya and Africa at the forefront of sustainable, AI-driven development.

The conference also featured insights from Prof. Michael O. Faborode, President of the Pan African Society of Agricultural Engineers (PASAE), who emphasized the crucial role of agricultural engineers in transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape. He highlighted PASAE’s mission of advancing food security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development through innovation, technology, and emerging tools such as Artificial Intelligence.

Prof. Faborode outlined the society’s commitment to capacity building, student support, strategic partnerships, institutional reforms, and youth empowerment. He called for stronger collaboration among governments, academia, industry, and professional bodies to modernize agricultural systems and enhance productivity across the continent.

Addressing participants on academic development, Dr. John Paul Obiero, Chairperson of the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering, discussed the ongoing review of the Master of Science in Environmental and Hydro Systems Engineering curriculum. He explained that the review aims to align the programme with emerging technologies, interdisciplinary research needs, and evolving local and global challenges.

Dr. Obiero noted that the review seeks to strengthen the programme’s academic identity, streamline its structure, and establish clear graduate outcomes that correspond with course objectives and teaching approaches. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to industry and societal needs.

A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Golestan (Sally) Radwan, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She challenged Africa to take a leadership role in shaping the future of sustainable Artificial Intelligence by leveraging its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and unique environmental experiences.

Ms. Radwan observed that AI’s environmental footprint extends beyond energy consumption to include critical mineral extraction, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, electronic waste generation, and biodiversity impacts. She stressed the need for robust frameworks to assess and manage these environmental implications while maximizing AI’s benefits for sustainable development.

Referring to a landmark United Nations resolution championed by Kenya, she noted that responsible AI governance must be guided by scientific evidence and environmental considerations. She encouraged African countries to move beyond being consumers of imported AI technologies and instead become innovators and producers of efficient, renewable-powered, and environmentally responsible AI solutions tailored to local development challenges.

The conference concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among engineers, researchers, policymakers, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to harness Artificial Intelligence for sustainable development. Participants agreed that engineering professionals must continue to lead innovation and research efforts that support food security, industrial advancement, resilient infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.

As Kenya and the broader African continent embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the KeSEBAE 2026 Conference demonstrated the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence to drive inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and create sustainable solutions for future generations. Through continued partnerships, research, and capacity building, the engineering profession remains well positioned to shape a smarter, greener, and more prosperous Africa.