Prime Minister Raila Odinga Monday asked African engineers to demand to be involved when policies are being formulated and implemented in their countries saying their input in the building and construction policies will minimize the number of white elephant projects on the continent.

Noting that across Africa there are many projects abandoned before completion while others completed are of limited economic value, the Prime Minister observed that many of these white elephant projects were conceived by politicians who cared more about what they gained as individuals and less about the country.

Mr. Odinga was speaking at a Mombasa hotel when he officiated at the opening of Group of Member Association (Gama) of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers 2010 conference.

The Theme of the conference is "The Engineer as a Strategic Partner."

He said, "As nation builders, we have a duty to our nations to demand to be involved when policies are being formulated and implemented.

And we have a duty to act professionally to help our countries formulate the right policies for economic growth."

Noting that the skills of African engineers have barely been exploited or rewarded, Mr. Odinga said it was unfortunate that a number of African countries are yet to embrace professional input in their development agenda.

"As an Engineer," he added, "I know you can advice on which projects would be sustainable, the appropriate technology, and the best approach in implementation."

The PM expressed concern that corruption has contributed immensely to the high rate of substandard work in Africa, noting that many engineers have been compromised to pass such works as standard.