New IET-K President 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 justice for engineering technology professionals, unveiling an ambitious reform agenda as she takes office.

Mahmoud’s priorities include securing full implementation of the Engineering Technology Act, 2016—legislation that has remained largely dormant for nearly a decade.

In her acceptance speech, Mahmoud emphasized that the Act must be fully operationalized for the Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB) to perform its mandate effectively.

KETRB is responsible for registering and regulating engineering technologists and technicians, but has long struggled with inadequate staffing, resources, and government support.

“For nine years, the Engineering Technology Act has existed more on paper than in practice. KETRB has been denied the staff, resources, and institutional support required to fulfill its mandate,” she said.

She added that the new council will lobby for proper funding to ensure the Board can carry out registration, regulation, and compliance as the law requires.

Outgoing President George Thumbi backed her message, noting that the regulator must be strengthened to protect the profession.

Mahmoud criticized career guidelines issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC), saying they have led to unfair assessments, limited promotion prospects, and discrimination against engineering technologists.

She vowed to push for an urgent corrigendum from the PSC to remove discriminatory clauses and to advocate for equal entry grades, progression, and recognition of qualifications.

IET-K will also seek a legal opinion from the Attorney General on the mandates of KETRB and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), whose roles intersect in the construction sector.

Mahmoud said delayed implementation of the Act continues to undermine professionals’ growth, despite their contribution to Kenya’s infrastructure and industrial goals.

Her renewed push comes weeks after leading a peaceful procession to Parliament and Harambee Avenue in October, where professionals demanded formal recognition and better career opportunities.

They warned that weak regulation has affected quality and safety in the construction sector.

“Kenya cannot afford to ignore the expertise of thousands of well-trained Technologists, Technicians, Craftsmen, and Artisans,” Mahmoud said.