IEK Demands Adherence to Legal and Professional Standards for KRB Leadership
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has strongly opposed the recent appointment of former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa Katana as the Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), citing non-compliance with statutory requirements.
IEK’s Statement on the Appointment
In a statement released on Monday, January 27, IEK argued that Jumwa’s appointment violates the provisions of the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7, which mandates specific qualifications and processes for appointing the KRB Chair.
“We (IEK) call for immediate revocation of the appointment of Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana as KRB Chair and the appointment of a suitably qualified Chair in compliance with the law,” IEK declared.
The association noted that Jumwa lacks the requisite background in civil, structural, or transport engineering—skills deemed essential for overseeing KRB’s critical functions.
Appointment Process in Question
The First Schedule of the Kenya Roads Board Act specifies that the non-executive chairperson must be nominated from professional organizations, including:
- The Institution of Engineers of Kenya
- The Automobile Association of Kenya
- The Kenya Association of Manufacturers
- The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
- The Kenya Transport Association
IEK pointed out that Jumwa’s appointment does not align with these guidelines, raising concerns about the process’s transparency and adherence to the law.
KRB’s Technical Mandate and Leadership Needs
IEK emphasized the technical nature of KRB’s responsibilities, which include:
- Monitoring road conditions nationwide
- Advising on road construction standards
- Overseeing the implementation of technical road projects
Given these demands, IEK argued that leadership must be vested in individuals with hands-on engineering expertise.
“An individual with hands-on engineering experience would possess the necessary skills and insights to lead the Board in achieving these objectives,” the association explained.
Call for Compliance and Professionalism
The institution called for a revamp of the appointment process to ensure that it adheres to legal frameworks and technical requirements.
“To ensure that the leadership of KRB is in line with its legal framework and technical requirements, it is recommended that appointments consider individuals with relevant professional backgrounds,” IEK stated.
By appointing qualified leaders, IEK believes KRB’s capacity to address infrastructure challenges will be enhanced, boosting public trust and credibility in its operations.
