The recent operational workshop on mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) for engineers in the EAC, facilitated by the GIZ project, Digitilization for East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT), represents a transformative moment with profound implications for engineers, the labour market, fresh graduates, and ingenuity. This significant event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and engineering sector representatives to reflect on past achievements and set the stage for a visionary future.
For engineers, the workshop signified a pivotal milestone towards enhancing their professional recognition and mobility within the region.
Hon. Engineer Joseph M. Mbugua, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Roads and Transport, Kenya, and the Guest of Honour to the event shared the Ministry's satisfaction with the active engagement in Engineering MRAs. In his address, he underscored engineers' pivotal role in regional development, aligning with national and global goals such as Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Mbugua urged the participants to collaborate to establish a robust framework that ensures the upholding of quality standards and transparency, a crucial component in fostering regional trade. The workshop officially commenced with a salutation to GIZ for their commendable contribution to promoting and facilitating Trade in Services in the EAC.
The workshop is a debut to foster a more dynamic and interconnected engineering sector in the labour market. The expedited implementation of MRAs, as advocated by Eng. Margaret Ogai, CEO/Registrar of the Engineers Board Kenya (EBK) and other stakeholders, is expected to streamline the recognition of engineers across national boundaries. This facilitates the sharing of knowledge and opens up fresh opportunities for employment and progression for engineers in the region.
The senior registrars expressed their belief that the emphasis on harmonising education prerequisites, standardising academic credentials, and incorporating a streamlined digital platform signals a more seamless transition into the engineering profession for young graduates. Collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and the proactive steps suggested by Protais Manirakiza, Commissioner of Urban, Housing and Design representing Burundi, indicate a forward-looking approach to nurturing the next generation of engineers, ensuring their talents are acknowledged and valued.
Additionally, the emphasis on evaluating existing frameworks and auto-verification processes demonstrates a commitment to staying well-informed of technological advancements and ensuring that innovation is at the core of the engineering profession.
In conclusion, the workshop's impact resonates far and wide, promising a future where engineers are recognised as key drivers of regional development. The urgency echoed throughout the workshop emphasises the need for a collaborative and inclusive approach, setting the stage for a transformative journey towards elevating the recognition of engineers across the region.
Find more information on DIGEAT here.
Find a clip covering the brief of the workshop here.