NAIROBI, Kenya- In a historic milestone for Kenya and the African engineering community, Kenyan engineer Nathaniel Matalanga has been elected as the next president of the World Council of Civil Engineers (WCCE).
Set to take office in 2027, Matalanga’s election represents a significant achievement, marking the first time an African will lead the WCCE since its establishment.
This landmark victory underscores the global influence of African professionals in civil engineering, highlighting Kenya’s contributions to the field.
Founded in 2005, the World Council of Civil Engineers (WCCE) has long served as a platform for promoting civil engineering worldwide, addressing infrastructure challenges, and encouraging international collaboration among engineers.
Representing professionals from over 25 countries, the WCCE is instrumental in shaping global standards, policies, and sustainable development practices.
Matalanga’s election as president underscores the council’s commitment to including diverse voices in its mission to build resilient and future-focused infrastructure.
With decades of experience in sustainable infrastructure and a strong dedication to impactful engineering, Matalanga will bring a fresh perspective to the WCCE’s leadership.
Matalanga’s impressive resume reflects his dedication to civil engineering and his commitment to advancing sustainable practices.
As a registered structural engineer with over 30 years of experience, Matalanga has overseen projects in Kenya and throughout East Africa, earning a reputation for designing infrastructure that addresses present needs while prioritizing future environmental impacts.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi and has served in various influential roles, including President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) from 2020 to 2023.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed—Matalanga was honored with the Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) by Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2021, recognizing his outstanding service to the nation.
Matalanga also serves as a council member on the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), where he contributes to international policy-making and advocates for sustainable development and fair labor practices in the engineering field.
As president, Matalanga aims to reinforce the WCCE’s commitment to sustainable engineering practices amid rising challenges such as climate change and urbanization.
With his election, Matalanga not only elevates Kenya’s status in global engineering but also paves the way for other African engineers to participate in shaping global infrastructure policies.
