The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has embarked on digital registration of all engineering
Projects to bolster professionalism in the sector.
EBK Chief Executive Officer Eng. Margaret Ogai said the Board has created the Engineers Project Registration Portal, to enable practitioners register their projects to acquire a unique number before they presenting their drawings to the county.
Eng. Ogai revealed that the Board had already signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) to ensure all projects across the country are adequately designed and supervised.
“We have a collaboration with NCA and BORAQS. We have an MOU, and we are trying to exchange information so that we can know if this building properly designed and then properly supervised,” she stated.
The EBK CEO made the remarks last evening in Nairobi on the sidelines of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) Annual Dinner dubbed ‘Celebrating Engineers’ Contributions through Memoirs and Publications.’
She cautioned private developers for failing to meet the set standards, accusing them of taking shortcuts when constructing buildings.
“As a private developer, everybody wants to put up their house, a small building, or a flat. That is where all the issues start arising. They might not employ a registered engineer to do the design for them. Again, when they go to the counties, sometimes they do not get approval done by an engineer,” Eng. Ogai stated.
She also noted the majority of the private projects do not have approvals and valid permits from the NCA.
Speaking at the same event, ACEK President Eng. Jane Mutulili underscored the need for the government and private sector to seek for consultancy services while coming up with
preparation and designs for various projects such as roads, buildings, and water services.
“We stand for excellence. We do our designs, and our designs show. If your design is being done by a consulting engineer, you are actually safe, and that is what we stand for”, Eng.
Mutulili said.
She emphasized ACEK’s role is to ensure designs uphold safety, resilience, and longevity.
The ACEK President reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the government’s affordable housing program.
Similarly, ACEK Future Leaders Chairperson Mike Jomo said his organization is carrying out mentorship programmes encouraging the youth at the university, secondary and primary levels to specialize in Sciences, Technology, engineering, and Mathematics courses and
subjects.
He said ACEK Future Leaders is further undertaking training for upcoming engineers to enhance their skills in the engineering sector.
By Wangari Ndirangu
