The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has rejected President William Ruto's appointment of Aisha Jumwa as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB).
In a statement on Monday, January 27, IEK President Shammah Kiteme argued that the appointment, did not adhere to the legal requirements for appointing the board’s leadership.
The Board, cites concerns over non-compliance with the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999 (Revised 2023).
The Act mandates that the non-executive chairperson be appointed from among members nominated by organisations listed in the First Schedule.
“Aisha Jumwa Katana does not represent any of these organisations, raising questions about the adherence to statutory provisions in her appointment,” Kiteme said.
Kiteme highlighted that the KRB is tasked with overseeing essential road infrastructure projects, including their development, maintenance, and technical oversight.
He stressed the importance of having a chairperson with a professional engineering background, particularly in civil, structural, or transport engineering, to provide the expertise required for the board’s functions.
“The Kenya Roads Board is heavily involved in engineering work such as monitoring the condition of roads, advising on construction standards, and ensuring that projects are carried out effectively from a technical standpoint. An individual with hands-on engineering experience would possess the necessary skills and insights to lead the board in achieving these objectives,” Kiteme explained.
The IEK also noted that the appointment process outlined in Section 7 of the KRB Act must be followed to uphold the integrity of the board.
“To ensure the leadership of KRB is in line with its legal framework and technical requirements, it is recommended that appointments consider individuals with relevant professional backgrounds. Failure to do so undermines the board’s credibility and capacity to address engineering and infrastructure challenges,” Kiteme said.
The engineers’ body called for the immediate revocation of Jumwa’s appointment and the selection of a suitably qualified chairperson in compliance with the law.
“We therefore call for the immediate revocation of the appointment of Aisha Jumwa Katana as KRB Chair and the appointment of a suitably qualified chair in compliance with the law,” the institution said.
The IEK urged the government to prioritise technical expertise in leadership appointments, particularly in roles involving infrastructure development and oversight.
The organisations entitled to nominate members to the board include the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, the Automobile Association of Kenya, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and the Kenya Transport Association.
These groups, according to the Act, play a critical role in ensuring the KRB’s leadership is aligned with its mandate.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, January 17, Ruto appointed the former Gender and Affirmative Action CS, Aisha Jumwa as the non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB).
Aishwa Jumwa will hold the position for a period of three years with the appointment of Ahmed Kolosh Mohamed revoked.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (1) (a) of the Kenya Roads Board Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint- Aisha Jumwa Katana to be the non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 17th January, 2025,” read the notice in part.
The objective and purpose for which KRB was established is to oversee the road network in Kenya and coordinate its development, rehabilitation and maintenance funded by the KRB Fund and to advise the Minister for Roads on all matters related thereto.
Its mandate also includes coordinating the implementation of policies that ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety in roadworks and administering funds derived from the fuel levy, along with any other funds allocated for road development.
One of KRB’s key responsibilities is determining how financial resources from the Fund, or any other sources, are distributed to roads agencies to facilitate ongoing road projects.
At the same time, it is tasked with monitoring the operations and activities carried out by road agencies in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of roads.
The board further ensures that all procurement processes for road projects funded by the Road Maintenance Levy Fund or other sources adhere to the established guidelines and criteria.
Additionally, KRB recommends appropriate road user charges, fines, penalties, and levies to be collected under the Road Maintenance Levy Fund Act, 1993.
It also advises the government on periodic reviews of the fuel levy and explores other potential sources of revenue for road maintenance and advise the Roads CS on road matters.
KRB is managed by a Board of Directors which composes of eight members from the private sector and five members from the public sector.