On January 28, 2025, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) strongly opposed President William Ruto’s appointment of former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa as the chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB). The engineers demanded the immediate revocation of her appointment, citing non-compliance with the Kenya Roads Board Act.
The IEK emphasized that the KRB’s core mandate revolves around road development, maintenance, and overall infrastructure management. Therefore, the chairperson should ideally have a professional background in engineering, particularly in civil, structural, or transport engineering. IEK President Shammah Kiteme noted that Ms. Jumwa does not represent any of the organizations authorized to nominate members to the KRB board, raising concerns about the legality of her appointment.
The engineering body highlighted the importance of appointing an individual with hands-on engineering experience to lead the board effectively. The KRB’s responsibilities include monitoring road conditions, advising on construction standards, and ensuring project implementation aligns with technical standards. An experienced engineer would bring the necessary expertise and insights to fulfill these objectives.
The IEK also underscored its role as one of the organizations entitled to nominate members to the KRB board, emphasizing the significant link between engineering expertise and the board’s functions. Appointing an engineer as the chairperson would reflect the technical importance of engineering knowledge in KRB’s leadership and uphold the spirit of the Act.
In conclusion, the IEK demanded the immediate revocation of Aisha Jumwa’s appointment and called for the selection of a suitably qualified professional in accordance with the law. This approach would enhance the board’s capacity to address engineering challenges, strengthen its credibility, and ensure the successful oversight of infrastructure projects.
