The Struggle for Recognition: Engineering Technologists in Kenya
Engineering technology professionals in Kenya are facing a significant challenge as they seek lawful recognition and proper regulation. These professionals, who play a vital role in the country’s development, have been advocating for formal acknowledgment of their profession for nearly a decade.
A Regulatory Framework in Question
The Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB) was established in 2016 to regulate and standardize the practice of engineering technologists and technicians in the construction sector. However, despite the creation of this regulatory body, the Engineering Technology Act, No. 23 of 2016, has not been fully implemented. This law legally recognizes the profession of engineering technologists and establishes KETRB as the governing body.
The Kenya Engineering Technology (BTEC) Forum, led by Vice-Chairperson Bibiye Mahmoud, has been actively petitioning state agencies to address these issues. On Monday, October 27, the forum threatened a strike if the act is not enacted. According to Mahmoud, the law has been neglected by lawmakers for nine years, and the lack of implementation has led to significant challenges for engineering technologists.
Organizational Deficiencies and Government Underfunding
Engineering technologists also criticize the organizational deficiencies within KETRB and government underfunding, which they claim have rendered the regulator ineffective. “This law legally recognized our profession and established the KETRB to regulate it. The Supreme Court of Kenya later affirmed that Parliament deliberately created ‘two separate but parallel regulatory frameworks,’” Mahmoud stated while addressing journalists in a procession on Parliament Buildings and Harambee Avenues on Monday.
The lack of the critical law has also subjected them to discriminatory career guidelines. They are excluded from major government projects, and the absence of a strong regulator to enforce standards has created a vacuum in supervision. The National Construction Authority links this situation to building failures, which they believe is a direct and preventable threat to public safety.
Career Guidelines and Legal Challenges
The Public Service Commission (PSC) issued career guidelines that require the qualifications of engineering technologists to be approved by their rival board, the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Mahmoud argues that this is illegal and locks out all Bachelor of Technology graduates. She emphasized that KETRB has been deliberately weakened and lacks the state-backed authority to act.
Engineering technology professionals, also known as certified engineering technicians, include a wide range of specialists in fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. They are registered and regulated by KETRB to ensure adherence to professional standards.
Role in National Development
Their role is considered crucial for supporting national development goals, including infrastructure and industrialization. Despite their contributions, they have been pushing for formal recognition and career advancement for nearly a decade.
“We specifically call upon His Excellency the President to recognize the looming crisis. With over 2,000 TVET institutions in Kenya, thousands of Engineering Technology graduates enter the market each year. Where are they to go? The current system, by design, has no place for them. This is not just an injustice to practising professionals; it is a time bomb for national youth unemployment and a tragic waste of national talent and training investment,” said Bibiye.
This ongoing struggle highlights the urgent need for legislative action and support to ensure that engineering technologists receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Without proper regulation and legal framework, the future of these professionals and the nation’s development goals remain uncertain.