Engineers Spell Out Consequences Over Govt Owing Them Ksh200 Billion

The Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) on Tuesday, October 22 put pressure on the government over pending bills amounting to Ksh200 billion, revealing how the matter is causing chaos amongst engineers in the country.

Eng. Shammah Kiteme, President of IEK, revealed that as of now, the government owes that amount to the roads sector alone, a matter which has resulted in job losses in the sector and the closure of engineering firms due to unsustainability.

However, he revealed that the government was acting on the matter. Per Kiteme's sentiments, funding is necessary to handle projects to be initiated. The President held nothing back on the government's management of public coffers, which isn't the first time the government has been put on the spot regarding financial mismanagement.

"In the roads sector alone, about Ksh200 billion pending bills. This thing is a menace, we have engineering firms closing or sending engineers home. We have engaged the government, we have our members who are going like 12 months unpaid. It is a serious issue," he lamented.

Eng. Shammah Kiteme, President of the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), speaking during the media launch of the 31st International Convention on October 22, 2024. /INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS KENYA

"I understand that the government has taken this keenly, we have a committee handling this and our members are sitting in that committee but what we are saying is that for every project to be initiated, the budget has to be there. We get confused when we start talking about pending bills, something has to be wrong with the financial management and the situation in this country."

He stressed the matter being addressed so that more employment opportunities are created in the engineering sector.

"We need this matter to be cleared because it is going to open up the space, creating employment and our engineers having jobs. We have engaged the government to improve the situation because as it is, it is now pathetic," he continued.

IEK International Convention 2024

Kiteme spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the IEK's official launch of the 31st International Convention, scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 1, 2024. Under the theme “Industrialization for Economic Transformation and Employment Creation,” the convention will be hosted at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa.

This gathering will bring together leading engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders from Kenya and beyond to explore how industrialization can fuel Kenya’s economic growth, generate employment, and position the nation at the forefront of Africa’s industrial landscape.

Speaking at the media launch, the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, emphasized the pivotal role of engineers in Kenya’s development trajectory, noting that innovation and technology are at the heart of the nation’s economic transformation.

“Engineers are the true catalysts for development. From water infrastructure to large-scale industrial projects, engineering enables progress. Innovation is not just an option; it is a necessity in our fast-changing world,” stated Eng. Mugaa. He further stressed the government's commitment to enhancing water, sanitation, and irrigation infrastructure, which are key components of the nation’s agricultural and economic growth.

Kiteme echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the 31st IEK International Convention is a platform for engineers to engage in meaningful dialogue and propose solutions to the challenges facing Kenya’s industrialization journey.

He emphasized the critical role of engineering in driving economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing sector. He noted that in 2015, manufacturing contributed approximately 9.2 per cent to Kenya’s GDP. Currently, this figure stands at about 7.7 per cent, highlighting the need for renewed focus and innovation in the sector. Eng. Kiteme pointed out that the Vision 2030 statement projects a potential increase in manufacturing's contribution to 15 percent of GDP by 2030, provided that effective policies and strategic investments are implemented.

He further stressed the importance of shifting from a model of net importing to net exporting, advocating for strategies that promote local production and value addition. “Industrialization is the engine that will drive our economic transformation and create employment for millions. Engineers are central to this agenda, and this convention offers an opportunity to chart the way forward in ensuring that our country’s industries grow sustainably and efficiently,” said Eng. Kiteme.

The media launch also featured insights from Eng. Erastus K. Mwongera, Chairman of the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), who highlighted Kenya’s strides in aligning its engineering standards with global best practices through the Washington Accord. This international agreement among bodies responsible for accrediting engineering degree programs ensures that Kenyan engineers are recognized globally.

This year’s convention is expected to attract over 3,000 delegates, both in-person and virtual, serving as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing innovations that will shape the future of Kenya’s industrial landscape.

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) is committed to promoting the engineering profession as a leading voice in shaping Kenya's development. By providing its members with opportunities to advance their careers, contribute to national development, and play a pivotal role in transforming Kenya’s economy, IEK stands at the forefront of driving engineering excellence.

Eng. Shammah Kiteme, President of the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), with Water CS Eric Mugaa during the media launch of the 31st International Convention on October 22, 2024. /INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS KENYA