The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, with members addressing pressing issues affecting the practice of engineering in the country. IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme outlined key resolutions, highlighting growing dissatisfaction with the recently released Public Service Commission (PSC) career guidelines for engineers.
Eng. Kiteme noted that since January 2023, engineers have consistently raised concerns about unfair compensation compared to other professions. Their requests for improved entry grades, practicing allowance, and risk allowance were not approved by the PSC. As a result, engineers are exploring alternative ways to address what they termed an injustice in the new guidelines.
Another major concern is the lack of job opportunities for engineers, despite Kenya’s booming infrastructure development. IEK members urged the government to deliberately award infrastructure projects to citizen and local companies to support local expertise.
A significant victory celebrated during the AGM was the government’s decision to retain mathematics as a subject beyond Grade 10, even for non-STEM students. Eng. Kiteme emphasized that strong numeracy skills are critical in the era of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data, praising the government’s responsiveness to IEK’s earlier advocacy.
Engineers also called for involvement in national reforms, particularly following the cabinet’s January decision to collapse, defund, and divest from some state corporations. Given the direct impact on engineers’ employment, IEK stressed the need for their participation in these conversations.
The regulation of the engineering profession also featured prominently, with members calling for fairness in the continuous professional development (CPD) process. The IEK council has been tasked to engage the Engineers Board of Kenya on this matter.
In a new strategic move, engineers have formed sector-specific task forces to draft policy proposals. Eng. Kiteme affirmed that engineers intend to actively engage policymakers and the public to shape national policies, leveraging their expertise and experience to contribute to Kenya’s development agenda.
