Mombasa County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Transport and Infrastructure Daniel Manyala has called on property developers to engage only engineers certified and registered by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) to ensure structural integrity and compliance with building regulations.
Speaking at Pembe za Ndovu in Mombasa, where he led the walk to commemorate World Engineering Day, Manyala emphasized the critical role of structural engineers in the building approval process while warning that many buildings collapsed as a result of unqualified personnel.
He stressed the need for strict compliance with engineering standards, stating that authorities would ensure all procedures are followed and take action against those attempting to bypass regulations.
He emphasized the critical role of engineering in sustainable urban development as he commended the initiative for inspiring the next generation of professionals and assured the County Government’s commitment to partner with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) as they laboured to mentor young engineers.
More than 400 engineers gathered for this important day to highlight their pivotal role in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the theme “Unleashing the Power of Engineering and Technology Professionals to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals,” this year’s event underscored the significance of innovation, collaboration, and responsible engineering in tackling global challenges.
As a government, Manyala assured that they would always warrant the availability of chances for partnership in an internship, attachment, or even eventual employment.
He also urged IEK to partner with the County Government in organising such events in the future, as it was one of the important days in the Engineers’ calendar.
The IEK Coast Branch Chair, Otieno Arowo, highlighted that IEK, in collaboration with the county government and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), is committed to upholding professional standards in the engineering sector.
He noted that the EBK served as the regulatory body overseeing the registration of engineers through a structured process.
Upon graduating from university, an individual is recognised as a Graduate Engineer. With experience and further assessment, they progress to become a Professional Engineer and, ultimately, a Consultant Engineer.
However, he emphasized that before attaining these levels, engineers must undergo an examination administered by EBK to ensure competency and adherence to industry standards.
Addressing concerns over the collapse of the building after completion, Eng. Arowo reiterated the importance of engaging qualified engineers to ensure structural integrity and compliance with building regulations. He acknowledged that while buildings collapse for various reasons, one key factor was the use of unqualified personnel.
He urged developers and the public to verify the credentials of engineers, cautioning against relying solely on academic papers, as fraudulent certifications have become increasingly common.
To ensure credibility, he advised stakeholders to refer to the Engineers Board of Kenya’s official website, where a comprehensive register of certified professional engineers is available.
By selecting registered professionals, developers can be assured that their projects will adhere to established building codes and safety standards.
By Fatma Said
