Engineers Reject Ruto’s Nominee As Chairperson,
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has voiced strong opposition to President William Ruto’s recent decision to appoint Aisha Jumwa as the Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB).
In a statement released on Monday, January 27, IEK declared the appointment unlawful, arguing that it violated the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7, which outlines the specific criteria for appointing the Board’s leadership.
IEK called for the immediate revocation of Jumwa’s appointment and urged the government to select a more qualified individual to lead KRB. “We (IEK) demand the revocation of Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana’s appointment as KRB Chair and the subsequent appointment of a suitably qualified individual in strict compliance with the law,” the statement read.
The engineers’ association argued that Jumwa lacked the necessary qualifications to chair the Board. They pointed out that her professional background did not align with the Board’s technical requirements, as she had no experience in civil, structural, or transport engineering, which are critical fields for effectively managing KRB’s responsibilities.
Further criticizing the appointment, IEK noted that it contravened the stipulations outlined in the First Schedule of the Kenya Roads Board Act. The law specifies that the Chairperson must be chosen from individuals nominated by recognized organizations listed in the Act.
“The Act clearly mandates that the non-executive chairperson must be appointed from among the members nominated by specific organizations outlined in the First Schedule.
However, Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana is not a representative of any of these organizations, raising serious concerns about the legality of her appointment,” IEK explained.
The organizations authorized to nominate the KRB chair, according to the First Schedule, include the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, the Automobile Association of Kenya, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and the Kenya Transport Association.
Highlighting the critical role of the Kenya Roads Board, IEK emphasized the need for a technically skilled leader.
The Board is responsible for vital functions, including overseeing road maintenance, advising on road construction standards, and ensuring the technical effectiveness of various infrastructure projects.
“KRB plays a key role in engineering activities such as assessing the condition of roads, providing expert guidance on construction standards, and ensuring that road projects are implemented efficiently and effectively.
These responsibilities demand a leader with significant technical expertise and hands-on experience in the field of engineering,” IEK asserted.
The association further emphasized that compliance with the law in appointing the Board’s leadership is essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of critical infrastructure bodies like KRB.
“To uphold the credibility and operational efficiency of KRB, it is imperative that leadership appointments prioritize individuals with relevant professional qualifications and expertise,” IEK stressed.
They added that appointing a qualified professional would not only enhance the Board’s ability to tackle complex infrastructure challenges but also reinforce public trust in its operations.
“Incorporating individuals with appropriate technical backgrounds in leadership positions would strengthen KRB’s capacity to address engineering and infrastructure demands while boosting its credibility in managing critical projects requiring expert oversight,” IEK concluded.
This statement from IEK underscores their commitment to ensuring that appointments to key infrastructure bodies align with legal requirements and the technical demands of the roles.
They hope their concerns will prompt a review of the appointment and pave the way for a more suitable candidate to lead the Kenya Roads Board.
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