Theme: Fostering Nature-Aligned Engineering in Coastal Infrastructure Development
Why Nature-Aligned Engineering?
Coastal cities are experiencing rapid expansion of critical infrastructure to accommodate increased population and socio-economic activities especially at the ports. The critical coastal infrastructures include roads, railways, energy systems, sea walls, water supply and drainage systems. The infrastructure expansion is exerting pressure on the coastal ecosystems, posing safety and sustainability risks, subsequently promoting climate change and intensifying coastal biodiversity damage.
It is time for engineers to embrace nature-aligned engineering methods in coastal infrastructure developments and understand the functions of coastal infrastructure beyond engineering goals. This will enable delivery of sustainable, adaptable, resilient and eco-inclusive infrastructures that ensures a safer tomorrow for coastal communities.
“Nature-Aligned Engineering is the engineering practice that involves integration of ecological, human and climate information in the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructures to minimize ecosystem damage, enhance climate resilience, and promote long-term sustainability”
This project is being implemented by Moi university in partnership with Kenya Ports Authority and with the funding support from Lloyd's Register Foundation Small Grants Scheme.
The overarching goal of the project is to establish the skills, tools and data needed to support integration of NAE methods in design, construction and management of coastal infrastructure developments in Kenya, towards enhancing safety, sustainability and resilience to climate change and urbanization processes. The data collection is through primary and secondary sources. The data and insights generated by this project will be shared directly with the stakeholders through the reports and publications.
The Workshop
Join us in the Focus Group Workshop on Friday 12th September 2025 at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort from 0800hr to 1600hr (GMT+2). It is an excellent opportunity for you to contribute to the discussion and gain some insights, experiences and perspectives from the experts on Nature-Aligned Engineering approaches in coastal infrastructure development in Kenya.
Speakers
Ms. Olive Mumbo
Topic: Redesigning Coastal Futures
Olive Mumbo is a dynamic leader driving Kenya’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy. As Country Project Manager at the Ocean Centres - Kenya hosted by Global Compact Network Kenya under the UN Global Compact Ocean Centres and Lloyd’s Register Foundation—she is leading efforts to shape national ocean economy strategies.
Following Kenya’s selection in June 2025 as one of seven global hosts for a UN-backed Ocean Centre, Olive is spearheading the launch of the Mombasa-based hub. She leads thematic work on coastal resilience, worker safety, community engagement, and skills development.
Olive holds a Master’s in European Law, Human Rights and Democracy from the University of Padua, a Bachelor of Laws from Strathmore University and is licensed to practice as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Her work unites stakeholders across sectors to promote offshore wind, sustainable aquaculture, and decent work. Olive champions ocean governance rooted in science, equity, and community-led innovation
Eng. Shammah Kiteme -CE, FIEK, PMP
Topic: Redefining Coastal Infrastructure Development for Low-Carbon Transitions
Eng. Shammah Kiteme is the President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK). He is a skilled civil structural engineer in practice. He has more than 15 years of experience in the fields of waste water treatment and structural engineering. He has provided consultations in Kenya and other African nations. Using diverse teams of engineers from several nations, he has completed important projects. Eng. Shammah Chairs a committee on Construction Working Group under the Federation of Africa Engineering Organizations (FAEO).
Qs Jacqueline Legishion
Topic: Occupational Health & Safety in Coastal Engineering Constructions
Qs. Jacquelyne Legishion is an Assistant Manager-Compliance at the National Construction Authority (NCA), with over 10 years of experience in Leading research initiatives and developing capacity-building programs to enhance regulatory practices in the construction industry. She holds a PhD in Construction Management. Jacquelyne currently serves as Council Member at the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK)
Prof. Eng. Augustine Makokha
(Workshop Convener)
Augustine Makokha is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Moi University, Kenya. He is the project lead for the Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s funded project on fostering nature-aligned engineering in coastal infrastructure project. Augustine is a dedicated researcher, mentor and team leader with 15 years of experience in research and consultancy, engaging in various partnerships and projects across Africa focused on energy, safety and sustainability. He is a Certified Energy Manager, and a Certified Renewable Energy Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), and a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK)- Safety Champions in Engineering Education program. Currently, Augustine is the Dean of School of Engineering at Moi University.
Participants:
Participants will comprise experts from diverse backgrounds including Engineers, Urban Planners, Environmentalist, Policy makers, Regulators, Green Finance professionals, Academics, Researchers and data analysts among others.
Program
Access the program via the link below or QR code
What to expect from the workshop
The workshop will feature presentations from experts, case studies and focus group discussions on nature-aligned engineering in the context of coastal infrastructures such as energy systems, coastal protection systems, roads and housing infrastructure, port infrastructures, wastewater treatment systems and floods management.
The discussions will focus on the following three aspects in the local context:
- Skills and Capacity for integration of NAE methods
- Data and Tools to support implementation of NAE methods
- Research Opportunities
The expected outcomes of the workshop shall include:
- Identification of skills gaps, data needs and tools requirements for NAE implementation in Kenya
- Recognition of the local barriers to adoption of NAE and opportunities for collaborative actions
- Practical recommendations for research and capacity-building programs
The outcomes will inform the development of skilling and research programs to support implementation and mainstreaming of NAE methods
Venue
The workshop will be held at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa, Serena Rd, Mombasa, Kenya for in-person participants.
More details at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort
Online participants can join via a virtual link after registering here
