May 2026 • Kenya

International Conference on Advancing Research for Sustainable Road Transport

Join leading scholars and professionals in shaping the future of road transport through research, collaboration, and transformative skills development at KIHBT’s premier international conference.

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Conference Begins In
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Venue: Pride Inn Flamingo Beach Resort Mombasa County, Kenya
Arch. Geoffrey Githiri

Welcome Message from the Director General, KIHBT

On behalf of the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT), I am delighted to welcome you to the 1st KIHBT International Research Conference 2026.

As transport systems across the globe undergo rapid transformation—driven by technological innovation, urbanization, climate considerations, and evolving workforce demands—the need for strong research, advanced technical skills, and sustainable infrastructure development has never been more critical. This conference provides a timely and strategic platform for researchers, industry practitioners, policymakers, educators, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue on strengthening capacity building and advancing sustainable transport solutions.

Through evidence-based research presentations, technical discussions, and collaborative exchange, participants will explore innovative approaches that enhance infrastructure resilience, promote skills development, improve road safety, and support sustainable economic growth within Kenya, across Africa, and beyond.

I warmly invite you to join us in this important knowledge-sharing forum as we collectively shape the future of transport systems and build the technical expertise necessary for generations to come.

We look forward to welcoming you to Mombasa in May 2026.

Arch. Geoffrey Githiri

Ag.Director General

About the Conference

The Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) is a training institution under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, dedicated to building capacity and advancing skills in the road and infrastructure sector. In line with its mandate to foster excellence and innovation in sustainable road transport, KIHBT is proud to announce its 1st International Research Conference, to be held from 20th to 22nd May 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya.

As the demand for resilient and sustainable road infrastructure grows across Africa, the role of knowledge sharing, skills development, and collaborative innovation has never been more critical. This conference will serve as a strategic platform for dialogue, learning, and partnership among government institutions, academia, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society.

The conference program will feature scientific paper presentations, technical sessions, high-level panel discussions, professional development workshops, exhibitions, field excursions, and networking events designed to bridge the gap between research and practice.

Conference Objectives

  • • Promote research and innovation in sustainable road transport.
  • • Strengthen capacity building and technical skills development.
  • • Foster collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers.
  • • Advance resilient and sustainable transport systems.
Download Concept Note

Conference Theme

Advancing Sustainable Road Transport Through Research, Innovation, and Skills Development

Training & Capacity Building

  • • Knowledge transfer and mentorship programmes
  • • Professional development and lifelong learning strategies
  • • Vocational training and skills development programmes
  • • Innovative curricula development for transport education

Greening & Digitalisation

  • • Building Information Modelling in infrastructure
  • • Digital tools for project management and monitoring
  • • Eco-friendly construction practices and materials

Financing, Policy & Regulatory Frameworks

  • • Regulatory frameworks and compliance mechanisms
  • • Enabling policies for sustainable transport development
  • • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and investment strategies
  • • Innovative funding models for transport infrastructure

Climate Resilience in Road Transport

  • • Flood-resistant road construction techniques
  • • Sustainable drainage systems and water management
  • • Strategies for mitigating climate change impacts
  • • Adaptive Infrastructure design for climate change

Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity

  • • Social inclusion in infrastructure planning
  • • Ensuring equitable access to transport systems
  • • Creating inclusive workspace and opportunities
  • • Gender mainstreaming in transport sector employment

Sustainable Technologies & Construction Materials

  • • Use of Local and recycled materials in construction
  • • Green construction technologies and methodologies
  • • Soil stabilization and ground improvement techniques
  • • Low-carbon cement and alternative binding materials

Road Safety & Active Mobility

  • • Traffic management and safety education
  • • Creating safer roads for all users
  • • Promoting walking and cycling infrastructure
  • • Strategies for reducing road accidents and fatalities

E-mobility & Intelligent Transportation Systems

  • • Develop actionable recommendations that inform national and regional transport and strategies
  • • Intelligent transportation systems integration
  • • Automation and connected vehicle technologies
  • • Advanced traffic management systems
  • • Electric vehicle infrastructure and charging networks

Conference Programme

The conference programme spans multiple days and features keynote addresses, technical sessions, panel discussions, and policy dialogues.

Day 1 – Opening & Plenary

08:00 – 09:00
Registration
09:00 – 10:30
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Addresses
10:30 – 11:00
Health Break
11:00 – 12:30
Plenary Session: Qualifications & Skills Policy

Day 2 – Technical Sessions

08:30 – 09:30
Keynote Address
09:30 – 11:00
Parallel Technical Sessions

Day 3 – Policy Dialogue & Closing

09:00 – 10:30
Policy Roundtable & Dialogue
11:00 – 13:00
Conference Communiqué & Closing Ceremony
Academic & Policy Engagement

Call for Abstracts

The Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) invites the submission of original research papers, technical papers, policy analyses, and case studies that contribute to advancing knowledge, innovation, and skills development in sustainable road transport and infrastructure development.

Submission Guidelines

Title of the Abstract

  • • Concise and aligned with the Conference Theme & Sub-themes
  • • Maximum of 21 words
  • • Times New Roman, font size 12

Authors’ Information

  • • Names of authors with corresponding author identified
  • • Email addresses and phone numbers
  • • Institution name, city, and country

Abstract

  • • Aligned with Conference theme and sub-themes
  • • Summary of key aspects of the paper or manuscript
  • • 4–6 keywords
  • • Single-spaced, one block, max 600 words
  • • Times New Roman, font size 12
  • • Submitted in MS Word (soft copy)
Abstract Deadline 13th March 2026
Acceptance Notification 31st March 2026
Full Paper & PPT Deadline 17th April 2026
Submit Abstract

Conference Registration Fees

Register to attend the 1st KIHBT International Research Conference 2026 — choose between Physical and Virtual participation.

Physical Attendance

In-Person Delegates

  • Residents: KES 12,000
  • Non-Residents: USD 155
  • Students: KES 6,000
  • ✓ Access to all conference sessions
  • ✓ Workshops & exhibitions
  • ✓ Networking lunch & tea breaks
  • ✓ Conference materials & certificate
Register for Physical
Virtual Attendance

Online Delegates

  • Residents: KES 6,000
  • Non-Residents: USD 75
  • Students: KES 3,000
  • ✓ Live streaming of all sessions
  • ✓ Access to digital conference materials
  • ✓ Interactive Q&A and chat participation
  • ✓ E-certificate of participation
Register for Virtual
Download Registration Details (PDF)

Sponsors & Strategic Partners

The conference is supported by organisations committed to advancing qualifications, skills development, and lifelong learning.

Strategic Partners

ICT Authority
National Bank of Kenya