The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) hosted its inaugural Engineers Golf Day at the Ruiru Sports Club, drawing hundreds of engineers for a unique event that blended sport, networking, and mentorship. The tournament’s central goal was to raise funds to support engineering students across the country in joining IEK as members, ensuring that no student is locked out of professional growth opportunities due to financial barriers.
IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that the funds raised would cover membership fees for students in engineering programs across Kenya’s 17 universities. “Today we have Engineers Golf Day here at Ruiru Sports Club. The intention is to raise funds so that we can allow as many engineering students to be members of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya. Every year, about 2,500 students enroll in engineering programs, and we want to ensure none of them misses out on mentorship and the chance to transition smoothly into the profession,” he said.
Ruiru Sports Club Captain Justus Mathenge welcomed the engineers, describing the event as a vibrant blend of sport and professional dialogue. “We are hosting about 250 players today. Beyond golf, the engineers are sharing ideas on how their agenda supports national development. Ruiru prides itself as the home of hospitality, and we are proud to host this noble cause,” he remarked.
Electrical engineer Eng. Titus Koech, who also took part in the tournament, emphasized the wider societal role of engineers. “Part of our responsibility is to support community development social, economic, and infrastructural. IEK has been instrumental in nurturing young engineers like myself, and I encourage students to join early to prepare for their transition into professional and consulting engineers,” he said.
Participant Eng. Derek Okova described the tournament as a platform not just for networking but also for nurturing the next generation of engineers. “We realized that young engineers face challenges in paying membership fees. This golf day allows us to create a kitty that ensures students can join IEK free of charge. We are grateful to sponsors such as Galana Energies, Kenya Pipeline, KERA, Davis & Shirtliff, and ICA, who made this possible. Our hope is to make it an annual event to continually support future engineers,” he explained.
With mentorship, networking, and fundraising all in play, the Engineers Golf Day signaled IEK’s commitment to investing in the future of engineering in Kenya, with organizers pledging to make it an annual tradition.
