Engineers want Aisha Jumwa's appointment to roads board revoked

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has rejected the appointment of Aisha Jumwa as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), citing concerns over non-compliance with the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999 (Revised 2023).

In a statement on Monday, IEK President Shammah Kiteme argued that the appointment, as outlined in Gazette Notice No. 395 dated January 17, 2025, did not adhere to the legal requirements for appointing the board’s leadership.

According to Kiteme, the Act mandates that the non-executive chairperson be appointed from among members nominated by organisations listed in the First Schedule.

“Aisha Jumwa Katana does not represent any of these organisations, raising questions about the adherence to statutory provisions in her appointment,” Kiteme said.

The organisations entitled to nominate members to the board include the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, the Automobile Association of Kenya, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and the Kenya Transport Association. These groups, according to the Act, play a critical role in ensuring the KRB’s leadership is aligned with its mandate.

Kiteme highlighted that the KRB is tasked with overseeing essential road infrastructure projects, including their development, maintenance, and technical oversight.

He stressed the importance of having a chairperson with a professional engineering background, particularly in civil, structural, or transport engineering, to provide the expertise required for the board’s functions.

“The Kenya Roads Board is heavily involved in engineering work such as monitoring the condition of roads, advising on construction standards, and ensuring that projects are carried out effectively from a technical standpoint. An individual with hands-on engineering experience would possess the necessary skills and insights to lead the board in achieving these objectives,” Kiteme explained.

The IEK also noted that the appointment process outlined in Section 7 of the KRB Act must be followed to uphold the integrity of the board.

“To ensure the leadership of KRB is in line with its legal framework and technical requirements, it is recommended that appointments consider individuals with relevant professional backgrounds. Failure to do so undermines the board’s credibility and capacity to address engineering and infrastructure challenges,” Kiteme said.

The engineers’ body called for the immediate revocation of Jumwa’s appointment and the selection of a suitably qualified chairperson in compliance with the law.

“We therefore call for the immediate revocation of the appointment of Aisha Jumwa Katana as KRB Chair and the appointment of a suitably qualified chair in compliance with the law,” the institution said.

The IEK urged the government to prioritise technical expertise in leadership appointments, particularly in roles involving infrastructure development and oversight.

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