President William Ruto’s administration has appointed Aisha Jumwa as the chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), despite her lack of formal engineering education.
This decision has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from the engineering community, who argue that Jumwa’s appointment does not align with the technical requirements of the role.
Jumwa, a former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action, officially took over the role on January 28, 2025.
Her appointment was met with immediate backlash from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), which called for the revocation of her appointment, citing non-compliance with the Kenya Roads Board Act.
According to the Act, the chairperson of the KRB should be appointed from among members nominated by specific professional organizations, including the IEK.
Despite the controversy, Jumwa has expressed her commitment to the role and her determination to advance Kenya’s road infrastructure.
In her inaugural speech, she emphasized her dedication to modernizing the country’s road networks and working collaboratively with her colleagues at the KRB and other stakeholders.
The IEK, however, remains unconvinced, arguing that the role requires hands-on experience in civil, structural, or transport engineering to effectively oversee the technical aspects of road maintenance and development.
The engineering body has stressed the importance of appointing individuals with relevant professional backgrounds to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of the KRB.
President Ruto’s decision to appoint Jumwa has been seen by some as a political move, aimed at rewarding loyalty and political support rather than prioritizing technical expertise.
Critics argue that this decision undermines the technical nature of the KRB’s mandate and sets a concerning precedent for future appointments.
By Kenyans