Newly elected IET-K President Bibiye Mahmoud pushes for sweeping reforms as she assumes office

The newly elected President of the Institution of Engineering Technology of Kenya (IET-K), Bibiye Mahmoud, has pledged to champion equal rights and career development for the country’s engineering technology professionals.

Her tenure will focus on a broad reorganisation aimed at advancing the operationalisation of the Engineering Technology Act, No. 23 of 2016, which has seen limited implementation since its enactment.

In her acceptance and assumption of office address, Mahmoud highlighted the importance of fully implementing the Act to enable the Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB) to function effectively.

The Board is tasked with registering engineering technology professionals and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

“For nine years, the Engineering Technology Act has existed more on paper than in practice. KETRB has not received the full support needed to carry out its mandate,” Mahmoud said.

She added that the new council will advocate for sufficient government funding to support the Board’s work in registration, regulation, and compliance.

“A functioning regulator is the foundation of professional dignity. This will be our frontline agenda,” she said, a sentiment echoed by outgoing President George Thumbi.

KETRB, established in 2016, is intended to regulate and standardise the work of engineering technologists and technicians in the construction sector.

However, the Board’s limited capacity has been highlighted as a barrier to fully addressing challenges faced by professionals in the sector.

Mahmoud emphasised that, under her leadership, the council will call for a review of public service policies to ensure fair recognition of engineering technology qualifications and equitable career progression.

She also indicated plans to seek guidance from the Attorney General on clarifying the respective mandates of KETRB and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), both of which have roles in the construction sector.

“The delayed implementation of the Act continues to affect professional growth. Our work contributes directly to Kenya’s development goals, including infrastructure and industrialisation,” she said.

Mahmoud made the remarks weeks after leading a peaceful procession near Parliament Buildings and Harambee Avenue in October to raise awareness of these issues.

Professionals have long advocated for formal recognition, better career opportunities, and the full operationalisation of the 2016 Act.

They noted that limited regulatory oversight in the construction sector can affect participation in national projects and may have implications for project quality and safety standards.

“Our exclusion from major government projects impacts both careers and national development. Strong technical oversight is crucial for safe and high-quality construction,” Mahmoud said.