THE STORIES UNTOLD

R edefining engineering involves reimagining the role of engineers as agents of positive change in committment to addressing the complex challenges facing society, technology, and the environment. Ideally, this involves adopting a socio-technical approach to applying engineering solutions which acknowledges the interconnectivity of technological systems and social structures. Engineers should consider not only the technical feasibility of solutions but also their social, economic, and cultural implications. In recent times, we have seen a renewed surge of advocacy for environmental conservation in attempts to manage climate change. As engineers, we play a huge role in shaping this international discourse. Kenya has seen a growing interest in sustainable building practices due to environmental concerns and the need for energy efficiency. Civil engineers can incorporate green building technologies such as passive solar design, rainwater harvesting systems, and renewable energy sources in...

Yesterday, Justice Nzioka of the High Court in Nairobi made headlines as she sentenced the convicted Jowie Irungu, handing him the very dreaded death penalty. I'm not going into the details of the trial because all the proceedings are well documented in the public domain. What followed the landmark sentencing was an elicitation of mixed reactions from netizens on various social media platforms. The standout sentiment was that the death sentence had been banned by the Supreme Court of Kenya (SCOK) chaired by former CJ David Maraga and therefore Justice Nzioka erred in her sentencing. My submission however, is that nothing could be further from the truth. Here is why: First off, we need to understand that the death penalty was ideally not 'banned' as is widely speculated. What the SCOK did was declare as unconstitutional the provision of a 'mandatory' death sentence for certain classes of offenders, ire those convicted for murder and/or robbery with violence. Before, ...