Engineers Challenge Aisha Jumwa's Appointment, Cite Legal Requirements

Kenya's engineering professionals are challenging the recent appointment of Aisha Jumwa as Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), citing non-compliance with legal requirements and lack of technical qualifications.

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has called for President William Ruto to revoke the appointment, which was announced through Kenya Gazette Notice No. 788. According to the engineers, the appointment violates Section 7(1) of the Kenya Roads Act 2007.

The law requires the KRB chairperson to be a registered professional engineer with at least 10 years of experience. IEK emphasizes that Jumwa lacks these mandatory technical qualifications, which are crucial for overseeing the country's road infrastructure projects.

"The position demands expertise in engineering and infrastructure development," the engineering body stated, highlighting concerns about technical oversight capabilities. The appointment is set for a three-year term effective January 2024.

The professional body has threatened legal action if the appointment is not revoked, underscoring the importance of qualified leadership in Kenya's infrastructure development sector. This challenge comes amid a pattern of appointment controversies in the current administration, with several nominees either declining positions or facing vetting challenges in the past year.

The KRB plays a crucial role in Kenya's infrastructure development, making the chairperson's technical competence a matter of significant public interest. As the situation develops, the engineering community maintains its stance on the need for qualified leadership in this critical sector.