RESHAPING THE BLUEPRINT

Redefining 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 into building projects to reduce environmental impact and operating costs.

Technological developments such as the Building Information Modelling (BIM) have enabled engineers to design and create digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of infrastructural projects. By implementing BIM, engineers have improved collaboration, reduced errors, optimized designs, and enhanced project efficiency. In addition, remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and aerial drones, combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), can provide valuable data for infrastructural planning, monitoring, and management. Civil engineers in Kenya can use these technologies to assess land use, monitor environmental changes, plan transportation networks, and manage natural resources more effectively.

With the widespread use of mobile devices in Kenya, software engineers can develop mobile applications for use by civil engineers in real-time monitoring and inspection of infrastructural projects. For example, mobile apps can be used to report road defects, track construction progress, collect field data, and facilitate communication between project stakeholders, hence improving transparency and accountability in development. This kind of integration will be efficient in averting disasters since risk mitigation measures can be applied quickly and more efficiently owing to prompt relay of information.

Another emerging technological trend in civil engineering is the use of 3D Printing for construction. Although still in its early stages, 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize construction processes in Kenya. Civil engineers can explore the use of 3D printing for rapid prototyping, fabrication of building components, and construction of affordable housing units, particularly in underserved communities where housing affordability is a significant challenge even as highlighted by the current government. 3D printing technology allows for intricate and customized designs that may be difficult or expensive to achieve with traditional construction methods. This flexibility opens up opportunities for innovative architectural designs tailored to local needs and preferences.

However, much as advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning and augmenting human capabilities, are reshaping industries, there are also concerns and ethical questions about effects of automation and job displacement due to proliferation of AI in almost every sector of the engineering economy space.

Wakadinali would say we are victims of our own madness and ideally I would be inclined to concur. AI, in my opinion, is an expression of human ingenuity and an extension of the very same humanity, albeit soul-less as it may be. The underlying concept is similar to that of the human brain; a large pool of knowledge from which information is seamlessly sifted through to provide required info. It therefore goes without saying that the success or effectiveness of the AI systems we build depends heavily on both the quality and quantity of information we feed onto them. 

AI is a beautiful monster, much as almost everything else is. It gives and takes in equal measure- "Provide simplicity and automation but at the expense of voiding human interaction, reducing employability rates and the numerous ripple effects that come with it." It really is a case of choosing your poison and dying by it, and my poison is this. That we should embrace AI with everything that comes with it. Here's why:

While some tasks may become automated, there will always be a need for humans to oversee, manage, and interpret the results of AI systems. This ideally means we are the lords of the very monster we created. We control the leash, and this gives us leverage because we remain in control. In this light, engineers should adapt to new roles as supervisors, analysts, and decision-makers, using AI tools to augment their capabilities rather than replace them. Also, while technical expertise is important, soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving are equally as crucial in engineering. These skills are what enable engineers to collaborate effectively, adapt to new challenges, and provide value in areas where AI and automation may ultimately fall short. This means that we as engineers need to focus on the niche areas where AI is inadequate. We must continuously update our skills and knowledge by embracing perpetual learning through formal education, online courses, workshops, and professional development to stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends. By adopting this approach of integrating AI with human expertise, engineers will ultimately find a way to wriggle through this phase and ensure that AI becomes only a subsidiary rather than an inherent way of life.
This way, we can guarantee contribution to the development of more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable societies.

@oiraqaleb.