IEK President Advocates for Infrastructure Development and Professional Compensation
The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has launch the Status of the Built Environment Report 2024,aiming to offer a comprehensive analysis of Kenya’s built environment, exploring critical issues such as urbanization trends, issues on progress on affordable housing, cost of construction, Regulatory Frameworks such as The National Building Code 2024, the adoption of artificial intelligence in the construction sector, building safety and the impacts of climate change on urban areas.
The report also highlights the perspectives of residents on key development challenges and opportunities within the communities among other critical issues in the built environment.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of AAK report, Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) president ,Engineer Shammah Kiteme has emphasized on the importance of collaboration between engineers and architects in ensuring the success of infrastructure projects.
He commended AAK’s efforts, highlighting the report’s role in informing data-driven decision-making for infrastructure development.
Kiteme noted that the report provides critical insights into various sectors of the built environment, including roads, water, wastewater, and airports, which are key to the country’s growth.
“We have seen the reports, we have complimented AAK for releasing the reports, and indicated that it also produces the Infrastructure Report Card, majorly for the infrastructure side of the built environment including roads, water, wastewater, airports among others,” he said.
Additionally,he has stressed the need for road designs that serve not only vehicles but also Non-Motorized Transport (NMT), as a large percentage of road users are pedestrians and cyclists.
The IEK President further addressed the ongoing Affordable Housing Program, criticizing the program’s approach to compensating professionals while expressing concerns over the inadequate compensation for engineers involved, stating that it violates established laws regarding professional fees.
“We have emphasized the need for professionals to be compensated. The Affordable Housing Program Compensation for Professionals is one thing. It goes against the laws that are set.We have engineered a scale of fees that sets out compensation for structural engineers in different sectors including civil engineer, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers,” he stated.
He has called for a review of the program’s implementation, urging that professionals be compensated fairly for their work.
At the same time,Kiteme reiterated IEK’s commitment to advocating for infrastructure that meets human needs and remains sustainable long-term.
He emphasized the importance of building the capacity of engineers to ensure their preparedness and participation in the future of Kenya’s infrastructure development.
“We are building the capacity of our members to future-proof their careers, so that our participation in infrastructure development is informed. Whether a person wants to look at different models of infrastructure implementation, our engineers are prepared, they are capable, trained, registered as well as experienced,” he said.
