The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has opposed the appointment of former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB).
Jumwa was appointed to the position by President William Ruto. She will serve for three years, effective January 17, 2025.
However, IEK said Jumwa’s appointment was in contravention of the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999 (Rev. 2023), particularly concerning the membership and the selection process for the board.
Also, the group questioned her expertise, saying the position best suits an individual with hands-on engineering experience given that the core mandate of KRB revolves around road development, maintenance and overall infrastructure management.
"Given that the core mandate of KRB revolves around road development, maintenance and overall infrastructure management, the appointment of an engineering professional preferably someone with a background in civil, structural, or transport engineering could provide essential expertise in handling the technical aspects of the board's responsibilities," said IEK president Shammah Kiteme.
Kiteme urged that the appointment ought to consider individuals with relevant professional backgrounds to ensure that the leadership of KRB is in line with its legal framework and technical requirements.
Consequently, IEK called for immediate revocation of Jumwa’s appointment in compliance with the law.
