Hundreds of specialist engineers from across the country have raised alarm over what they describe as growing marginalization within Kenya’s construction industry, warning that the trend is compromising safety standards and endangering lives.
Speaking during the official launch of the Association of Services & Specialist Engineering Contractors (ASSEC), the professionals accused major contractors of sidelining qualified and licensed engineers in favor of untrained and unregistered workers.
The specialists, drawn from critical sectors including piping, refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical systems, called for urgent reforms to ensure fair inclusion and recognition in mainstream construction projects.“We are witnessing a dangerous trend where contractors prioritize cheap, unskilled labor over certified professionals,” said one ASSEC official. “This is not just unfair — it’s a ticking time bomb.”
The engineers expressed concern that the continued exclusion of professionals from key construction roles is contributing to the rising cases of structural failures and building collapses across the country.
They called on regulatory authorities and government agencies to crack down on the infiltration of quacks into the industry.“We need urgent measures to eliminate unqualified personnel from our construction sites.
Every time a building collapses, we are reminded of the consequences of neglecting professional input,” the association emphasized.The launch of ASSEC marks a pivotal step in organizing and amplifying the voices of Kenya’s specialist engineering community.
The association aims to champion professional standards, promote ethical practices, and advocate for policies that safeguard the industry and the public.
ASSEC leaders are urging policymakers to strengthen enforcement of building codes and ensure only licensed experts are entrusted with critical technical work.
