NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 4 – The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has voiced concerns over the government’s ongoing reforms of state corporations, urging a fair and transparent transition for affected engineers.
The reforms, aimed at streamlining operations and reducing inefficiencies, include declassifying professional organizations, which will result in the loss of government funding, and restructuring multiple state corporations.
IEK President Shammah Kiteme emphasized the need to protect engineers’ welfare during the transition.
“It is important that engineers employed in the affected corporations are not disadvantaged. We call for a fair and transparent process that prioritizes their welfare,” he said.
One key concern is the proposed dissolution of 16 corporations, including the Numerical Machining Complex (NMC), which plays a crucial role in Kenya’s industrialization. IEK is calling for transparency in asset transfers to the private sector to ensure fair market valuation and prevent corruption.
Additionally, the organization is pushing for self-regulation of the engineering profession, similar to law and accounting, to allow engineers to oversee their own licensure, training, and professional development.
The government announced last month that 42 state corporations would be merged into 20, nine dissolved, and six restructured as part of its reform agenda.
