Eldoret: The Institution of Engineering Technologists and Technicians-Kenya (IET-K) has called on the government to expedite the appointment and operationalization of the Engineering Technology Board, saying its absence is undermining effective regulation of the profession. IET-K President Bibiye Mahmoud Juma emphasized the necessity of fully implementing the Engineering Technology Act, 2016, to bolster professional standards, quality assurance, and public safety.
According to Kenya News Agency, Juma, speaking at the 10th anniversary of the legislation, highlighted that the Act had laid a legal foundation for recognizing, regulating, and professionally developing engineering technologists and technicians, yet its implementation remains incomplete. She urged the government to complete the necessary processes for appointing and constituting the Engineering Technology Board to enable it to fulfill its statutory functions.
Juma stressed that a fully operational Board is crucial for providing effective regulatory oversight, professional standards, registration, discipline, quality assurance, and protection of the public interest. She argued that the matter extends beyond institutional concerns, as effective regulation of engineering technology is vital for public safety, professional accountability, quality assurance, and national development.
Juma pointed out that engineering technologists, technicians, artisans, and craftspersons are essential in implementing, installing, testing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, and improving infrastructure and technological systems. She cited recent issues with building failures and infrastructure quality as evidence of the need for stronger systems of professional competence, inspection, compliance, testing, commissioning, and maintenance.
She advocated for ensuring that appropriately qualified and competent engineering technologists, technicians, and other technical personnel are deployed where their expertise is needed. Emphasizing the importance of infrastructure being safely operated and properly maintained throughout its lifespan, Juma called for the profession to move beyond legal recognition to greater participation in national development projects.
Juma called for clear professional and career pathways for engineering technologists and technicians, appropriate representation and recognition in public and private sector projects, opportunities to practice according to their competencies, and access to continuous professional development. She also encouraged greater participation in national and county development programs, as well as increased opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and technology transfer.
Recognizing the contribution of artisans and craftspersons, Juma stated that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) could provide credible pathways for experienced Kenyans to have their competencies assessed and formally recognized. She underscored the central role of engineering technology in Kenya’s long-term industrialization and technological development, as the country looks beyond Vision 2030.
Juma called for stronger partnerships among the government, industry, universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, regulators, and professional bodies to build local technical capacity. She indicated that achieving a globally competitive, industrialized, and technologically advanced economy is not possible without fully utilizing those who install, operate, maintain, adapt, and improve technologies and infrastructure.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Engineering Technology Act, Juma remarked that while the first decade provided a necessary legal foundation, the next should focus on full implementation and measurable impact. She stated that the country must move from recognition to participation, qualifications to competence, skills development to skills utilization, project completion to lifecycle management, and imported technology to local capability.
Juma reaffirmed IET-K’s commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to strengthen engineering technology in Kenya, while upholding competence, integrity, professionalism, innovation, and public safety. She encouraged young Kenyans to consider engineering technology as a career offering opportunities for innovation, national service, and professional growth. She concluded by noting that the full appointment and operationalization of the Engineering Technology Board would be a significant step towards achieving these objectives.
