Specialist engineers across Kenya are raising the alarm over what they term as increasing marginalization within the construction sector, warning that the sidelining of qualified professionals in favor of untrained workers poses serious safety risks.
During the official launch of the Association of Services & Specialist Engineering Contractors (ASSEC), hundreds of engineers voiced frustration over being locked out of mainstream construction projects despite their technical expertise.
The professionals, drawn from critical sectors such as piping, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical systems, accused major contractors of prioritizing cheap, unskilled labor over certified and licensed experts.
“We are witnessing a dangerous trend where contractors prioritize cheap, unskilled labor over certified professionals,” said an ASSEC official. “This is not just unfair — it’s a ticking time bomb.”
The engineers warned that the continued use of unqualified personnel on construction sites is directly contributing to a spike in building collapses and other structural failures across the country. They stressed the need for regulatory bodies to take immediate action to root out quacks from the industry.
“We need urgent measures to eliminate unqualified personnel from our construction sites,” the engineers said. “Every time a building collapses, we are reminded of the consequences of neglecting professional input.”
The formation of ASSEC comes at a time when Kenya’s construction industry is experiencing rapid growth, with increased demand for housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. However, industry insiders say the growth has also created loopholes for unscrupulous contractors to cut costs by hiring untrained workers at the expense of safety.
ASSEC leaders say the new association will work to champion professional standards, uphold ethical practices, and push for policies that recognize the critical role of specialist engineers in safeguarding the integrity of buildings and infrastructure.
The association is now urging the government to enforce existing building codes more strictly and ensure only licensed professionals handle technical work in construction projects.
“The safety of Kenyans depends on the quality of our buildings. It’s time for the construction sector to uphold professionalism and accountability,” ASSEC stated.
With its launch, ASSEC seeks to provide a collective voice for thousands of specialist engineers, while advocating for a safer, more inclusive, and professionally sound construction industry in Kenya.