Engineers urge full implementation of the Technology Act

Institution of Engineers of Kenya when they visited Northern Water Collector Tunnel (NWCT) for bench marking purpose.[File-Standard]

The Institution of Engineering Technologists  and Technicians (IET-K) has called on the government to expedite the appointment and operationalisation of the Engineering Technology Board.

IET-K noted that its absence is hampering the effective regulation of the profession.

Mahmoud Juma, the IET-K President, stated that, if given the opportunity in the future, the full implementation of the Act was essential to improve professional standards, quality assurance, and public safety.

Speaking in Eldoret on Wednesday during the 10th anniversary of the legislation, Juma said the Act had laid a legal foundation for recognising, regulating, and promoting the professional development of engineering technologists and technicians, but claimed that its implementation was still incomplete.

She urged the government to address remaining procedures necessary for the appointment and formation of the Engineering Technology Board and enable it to perform its statutory duties.

“Something to note is that a fully constituted and operational Board is essential to providing effective regulatory oversight, professional standards, registration, discipline, quality assurance, and protection of the public interest,” Juma said.

She added, “What I want you to understand is that what we are discussing here is that the matter went beyond institutional concerns, saying that effective regulation of engineering technology was critical to public safety, professional accountability, quality assurance, and national development, which we think should be considered most if Kenyans want to prosper in future.”

Juma explained that engineering technologists, technicians, artisans, and craftspeople played a vital role in implementing, installing, testing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, and improving infrastructure and technological systems.

She cited recent concerns about building failures and infrastructure quality as evidence of the need for stronger systems for professional competence, inspection, compliance, testing, commissioning, and maintenance.

“Let us say the truth on what is in our minds; we must ensure that appropriately qualified and competent engineering technologists, technicians, and other technical personnel are deployed where their expertise is required,” she said.

“Infrastructure should not only be constructed but also safely operated and properly maintained throughout its intended lifespan,” Juma urged.

The IET-K president emphasised that the profession should now progress beyond legal recognition to greater involvement in national development projects.

On her part, Cecilia Ngetich, the national chairperson of the County Public Service Board Forum, called for clear career pathways for engineering technologists and technicians, including proper recognition and representation in public- and private-sector projects.

She said it is important to acknowledge those with such skills so they can occupy positions, access opportunities to practise in line with their competencies, and benefit from continuous professional development for the country’s benefit.

She underscored that engineering technology would play a central role in Kenya's long-term industrialisation and technological progress as the country looks beyond Vision 2030.

“Kenya must increasingly shift from being a consumer of technology to becoming a country that develops, adapts, manufactures, maintains, and exports technology and technical expertise,” she said.