IEK President, Eng. Shammah Kiteme
The recent appointment of Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana as the Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB) has sparked a storm of controversy, with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) challenging its legality and alignment with the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999 (Revised 2023).
In a detailed statement issued by IEK President, Eng. Shammah Kiteme, the organization raised concerns about the compliance of the appointment process with statutory provisions. Specifically, the IEK contends that the appointment contravenes Section 7 of the KRB Act, which stipulates that the non-executive chairperson must be selected from among members nominated by five key professional organizations outlined in the First Schedule of the Act. These organizations 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.
Hon. Jumwa, the IEK claims, does not represent any of these organizations, calling into question the legality of her appointment.
The Kenya Roads Board is tasked with overseeing road development, maintenance, and infrastructure management, a mandate that heavily relies on technical expertise in engineering. The IEK highlighted the importance of appointing a professional with a strong background in civil, structural, or transport engineering to provide the technical insights required to lead the Board effectively.
“The KRB is deeply involved in engineering work, including advising on road construction standards and ensuring the technical viability of projects. Appointing an individual with engineering experience would align the Board’s leadership with its technical mandate,” the IEK stated.
The Act further underscores the role of engineers by including the Institution of Engineers of Kenya among the five organizations empowered to nominate board members. The IEK argues that this provision reflects the critical role of engineering knowledge in KRB’s operations and should be upheld in appointments to key leadership positions.
Eng. Kiteme noted that Hon. Jumwa’s appointment disregards the legal requirement for the Chairperson to be selected from among the nominees of the specified organizations. This deviation, the IEK believes, undermines the integrity of the appointment process and violates the spirit of the KRB Act.
“Such appointments should be guided by statutory provisions to ensure that the Board’s leadership has the expertise and credibility needed to address the country’s infrastructure challenges. The current appointment not only fails to meet these requirements but also risks eroding public trust in KRB’s ability to deliver on its mandate,” the statement read.
The IEK has called for the immediate revocation of Hon. Jumwa’s appointment and urged the government to appoint a suitably qualified individual in compliance with the law. The engineers emphasized that adhering to the legal framework would not only strengthen KRB’s capacity to address complex infrastructure issues but also bolster public confidence in the Board’s leadership.
This controversy comes at a critical time when Kenya is prioritizing infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth. The IEK has reiterated its commitment to supporting the government in achieving these goals but insists that the right leadership is essential to ensure the success of these initiatives
As of now, there has been no official response from the government regarding the concerns raised by the IEK. The appointment of Hon. Jumwa has sparked widespread debate, with stakeholders and the public keenly awaiting clarity on the matter.