Benson Onyango Ojwang

Position Statement – Vice Chair

The Kenya Section holds a unique position within Region 8 as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing engineering communities. Given its opportunities and challenges, my vision is to promote activities and policies that empower the next generation of technology leaders, strengthen member participation, and enhance Kenya’s contribution to the global IEEE mission. I aim to build on the dedication of existing volunteers while introducing structures that elevate the Section’s visibility, relevance, and impact in both academia and industry.

As the Section Vice Chair, I will:

• Strive to retain and grow membership in the Kenya Section by aligning activities, services, and programs with the evolving needs of students, graduate engineers, and professional members. I will focus on supporting members in career development, mentoring, research engagement, and access to technical opportunities.
• Strengthen academic–industry linkages by developing practical partnership frameworks between IEEE and engineering firms, utilities, technology companies, and regulatory bodies. These partnerships will unlock opportunities for internships, industrial attachments, CPD programs, and collaborative technical initiatives.
• Adopt a consultative and collaborative approach that ensures transparent, fair, and responsible management of the Section’s resources, policies, and activities, while incorporating feedback from members across all engagement levels.

Action Plan

• Cultivate and empower the next generation of technical leaders by working closely with Student Branches and Chapters, supporting STEM initiatives, and promoting participation in IEEE VoLT, YP, and WIE programs. I will prioritize establishing active Student Branches in all STEM universities and ensuring they receive structured mentorship and financial clarity.
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among Chapters in areas of growing national interest, including renewable energy, power systems, AI, automation, antennas and propagation, and communication networks-to help members stay current with emerging technologies and enhance their professional competitiveness.
• Advance transparency, responsiveness, and good governance by addressing longstanding challenges in communication and financial processes, improving the timeliness of Section feedback, and strengthening the structures supporting the Treasurer to ensure efficient processing of SB and Chapter funds.
• Deepen engagement with professional engineers and industry partners by formalizing MoUs with engineering and technology organizations and collaborating with EBK, IEK, ACEK, and other bodies to improve pathways for professional membership, CPD, and technical involvement.
• Recognize and reward exemplary volunteer service, celebrating the efforts of Student Branches, Chapters, professional members, senior members, and life members whose contributions advance the Section’s mission and continuity.
• Support and expand the hosting of IEEE flagship events, technical forums, distinguished lectures, industry roundtables, summer schools, and specialized workshops that raise the Kenya Section’s visibility within Region 8 and promote innovation aligned with the IEEE mission of “Advancing Technology for Humanity.”
• Ease participation in global IEEE activities by establishing a dedicated Travel Support Committee to guide students and young professionals through visa processes, logistics, budgeting, and supplementary funding for those who secure IEEE travel grants but face financial gaps.

Commitment

If elected, I will fully commit myself to supporting the Section’s members and volunteers and to advancing the technical, professional, and educational mission of IEEE in Kenya. I am prepared to dedicate the time, energy, and leadership required to strengthen our programs, partnerships, and member services. My institution has expressed its support for my candidature and is ready to provide the flexibility I need to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Vice Chair role.