Aisha Jumwa Inaugurated As KRB Chairperson Despite Disapproval From Engineers
Former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa took on her new duty as chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), demonstrating her dedication to the position.
The move comes just one day after her nomination was rejected by the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
Jumwa was inaugurated as the new chair in a ceremony presided over by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, following her recent appointment by President William Ruto, which sparked major opposition from engineering players.
1/2
— Aisha Jumwa Katana, E.G.H (@CSAishaJumwa) January 28, 2025
It is with great humility and gratitude, I step into the role of Chairperson of @KRB_Kenya. Today’s inaugural ceremony, graced by Cabinet Secretary for @Roads_KE @davis_chirchir, marks a key milestone in my commitment to advancing Kenya’s road infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/TGOrkXUZRu
“It is with great humility and gratitude that I step into the role of chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board,” Jumwa stated.
“Today’s inaugural ceremony, graced by Cabinet Secretary for Roads Davis Chirchir, marks a key milestone in my commitment to advancing Kenya’s road infrastructure.”
In a statement, Jumwa emphasized her commitment to delivering in her new post and expressed her enthusiasm for working with her new colleagues at the KRB.
“The signing of the statutory documents marks my commitment to advancing the growth and modernization of our road networks,” she noted.
“I am honored and excited to collaborate with my colleagues at KRB and all sector stakeholders to fulfill our mandate.”
On Monday, January 27, IEK rejected Jumwa’s appointment as chair of KRB, citing a failure to follow the regulations established in the Kenya Roads Board Act no.7 regarding the appointment procedure.
The concerns highlighted regarding the appointment of Hon. @HonJumwa to the position of Chairperson at the Kenya Roads Board (KRB) are indeed significant@TheIEK_FLC @TheIEK @EngineersBoard @ACEK1968 @AcekFL_Kenya @shammahkiteme @bonifacemwangi @WillieOeba @Yzzaque @jameskarori pic.twitter.com/lHWmnQc4NI
— Eng. John Robert Otieno Ogallo ,PE (@otienogallo) January 27, 2025
“We (IEK) call for immediate revocation of the appointment of Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana as KRB Chair and the appointment of a suitably qualified Chair in compliance with the law,” IEK averred.
IEK stated that Jumwa lacked the necessary qualifications to lead the Board.
They pointed out that she had no experience in civil, structural, or transportation engineering, which would have prepared her effectively for the tasks of leading the Board.
Furthermore, the engineering organization criticized the nature of her appointment, stating that it violated the rules outlined in the First Schedule of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB Act).
“The Act mandates that the non-executive chairperson be appointed from among the members nominated by the organisations listed in the First Schedule,” IEK stated.
ALSO READ:
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
- President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
- Kenya Goes After British Oil Giant Over Hundreds Of Deaths In The North
- KDF Soldier Arrested Over Wife’s Murder in Nakuru
- Parliament Passes VAT Bill For Petroleum, Slashes It To 8%
“However, Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana does not represent any of these organisations, raising questions about the adherence to statutory provisions in her appointment.”
According to the First Schedule, 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 are the organizations authorized to nominate the chair of KRB.
IEK emphasized the significance of KRB in road maintenance across the country, stating that the role necessitates a highly qualified professional with competence in KRB’s technical functions.
It remains to be seen whether the powers that be will pay notice to IEK’s stance, but for the time being, Jumwa looks to be sticking with her new role.
Aisha Jumwa Inaugurated As KRB Chairperson Despite Disapproval From Engineers
