The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Makueni County Government in a move aimed at boosting infrastructure development, technical capacity, and the enforcement of engineering standards in the county.
The agreement was formalized during a high-level meeting between IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme and Makueni Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Junior. They were joined by senior IEK officials including Eng. Lilian Kilel, Eng. Damaris Oyaro, Eng. Hanna Njeeri, Eng. Yvonne Robert, and IEK’s PR & Partnerships Secretary Mr. Anvar Alot.
The MoU sets the stage for closer collaboration on technical support, quality assurance in construction, and capacity building for engineers working within the county. It also highlights a shared commitment to enhancing safety, professionalism, and sustainability in public infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the event, IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme emphasized the importance of engaging with county governments, noting that many of IEK’s members work within devolved units. “It is deliberate that we are working with counties through the Council of Governors because we understand the evolution structure empowers counties to implement key sectors relevant to us,” he said.Eng.
Kiteme also highlighted IEK’s collaboration with the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Council of Governors (CoG) in the development of a Site Inspection Handbook.
The handbook is a key tool aimed at standardizing construction practices across Kenya’s 47 counties and addressing concerns about poor compliance with safety standards.“The handbook is an essential tool of trade that will help counties guarantee safety and quality in construction,” he stated, adding that counties must prioritize adherence to professional standards to ensure public safety.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior hailed the MoU as a long-awaited opportunity to tap into IEK’s vast expertise and enhance the capacity of engineers in Makueni. “This is an opportunity I’ve been looking for — to draw on the knowledge and professionalism that IEK brings,” he said.
The Governor expressed particular interest in using IEK’s expertise to resolve technical disputes, such as an ongoing issue regarding the materials used in an affordable housing project in the county.
He disclosed that technical reports have raised concerns, and he has called on IEK to provide independent expert assessments to guide decision-making.
Governor Kilonzo emphasized the need for professional oversight in public projects, especially in light of recent building collapses across the country. “We need third-party expert validation on everything from cold rooms to factory equipment and road construction. It’s about ensuring that every shilling of public money is accounted for through quality work,” he stated.
Kilonzo urged other counties to follow Makueni’s lead in partnering with the IEK. “This partnership is not just about infrastructure; it’s about safety and accountability. Every county should benefit from the kind of professional assurance that IEK provides,” he said.
Both IEK and the Makueni County Government pledged to continue working together to implement best practices, enhance public safety, and support engineers in delivering world-class infrastructure solutions that meet both national and international standards.