Nairobi: The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has initiated a digital shift in the registration process for engineering projects, aiming to enhance professionalism within the sector. The newly introduced Engineers Project Registration Portal is designed to facilitate practitioners in registering their projects, thereby acquiring a unique identification number before submitting their drawings to county authorities.
According to Kenya News Agency, EBK's Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Margaret Ogai, announced that the board has formalized its collaboration with the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) through a memorandum of understanding. This partnership ensures that all engineering projects across Kenya are properly 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," Eng. Ogai stated during the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) Annual Dinner in Nairobi.
The EBK CEO also highlighted concerns over private developers who often bypass established standards, opting for shortcuts in construction. "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 explained. She expressed concerns that many private projects lack the necessary approvals and permits from the NCA.
Eng. Jane Mutulili, ACEK President, echoed the importance of engaging consultancy services for project design and preparation, whether for roads, buildings, or 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," she remarked, underscoring ACEK's commitment to safety, resilience, and longevity in engineering designs.
Additionally, the ACEK President reiterated the organization's support for the government's affordable housing program. Eng. Mike Jomo, Chairperson of ACEK Future Leaders, discussed ongoing mentorship initiatives aimed at encouraging youth to pursue studies in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He emphasized that ACEK Future Leaders is actively involved in training emerging engineers to hone their skills in the engineering field.