The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has opposed the appointment of former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa as chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board and demanded its immediate revocation.
Her appointment, the IEK says, raises concerns about alignment with the Kenya Roads Board (KRB) Act, particularly with regard to the membership and the selection process for the board.
“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,” IEK President Shammah Kiteme said on Monday.
The engineering body explained that the KRB is heavily involved in engineering work, such as overseeing the condition of roads, advising on road construction standards, and ensuring that projects are carried out effectively from a technical standpoint.
“Thus, an individual with hands-on engineering experience would possess the necessary skills and insights to lead the Board in achieving these objectives,” explained Mr Kiteme.
The IEK said it is one of the organisations entitled to nominate members to the said board. This, it says, implies a strong link between the engineering profession and KRB's function.
And, “appointing an engineer as the chairperson would align with the Act’s spirit by reflecting the technical importance of engineering knowledge within the leadership of the board,” emphasized Mr Kiteme.
The current appointment of Ms Jumwa “does not appear to be in accordance with the KRB Act, specifically in terms of the appointment process,” the engineers' body said.
The Act mandates that the non-executive chairman be appointed from among the members nominated by its member organisations.
However, Ms Jumwa “does not represent any of these organisations, raising questions about the adherence to statutory provisions in her appointment,” said Mr Kiteme.
He further explained that to ensure that 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.
“This would not only strengthen KRB’s capacity to address engineering and infrastructure challenges but also enhance its credibility in overseeing projects that require technical expertise,” said Mr Kiteme.
“We therefore call for 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.”
President William Ruto and his Cabinet Secretaries had announced a series of appointments to key government institutions, marking another chapter in his administration's efforts to streamline governance and reward political allies.
The appointments, detailed in the Kenya Gazette dated January 17, include significant changes to leadership in infrastructure, energy, education, and other critical sectors.
In the Kenya Roads Board, President Ruto replaced former Wajir West MP Ahmed Kolosh Mohamed with former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, who now assumes the role of non-executive Chairperson for a three-year term, effective January 17, 2025.
Ms Jumwa’s appointment, alongside others, was widely viewed as part of President Ruto’s strategy to consolidate political alliances across the spectrum.
