Kenya’s engineering profession, once a beacon of success and economic stability, has faced a significant decline over the past few decades. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind this downturn, exploring how foreign competition, internal corruption, and inadequate professional regulation have collectively undermined a once-thriving field.
The Golden Age of Engineering in Kenya
During the late Moi-Kibaki period, engineering in Kenya was a prestigious and lucrative profession. Local engineers played a crucial role in nation-building, spearheading major projects like the Times Tower. The NARC government’s robust support for local engineering firms fostered a thriving ecosystem where engineers were highly respected and financially well-off.
Factors Leading to the Decline
Infiltration of Chinese Firms
One of the most significant blows to the Kenyan engineering profession was the influx of Chinese construction firms. Backed by conditional Chinese loans, these firms took over large-scale projects, sidelining local engineers. The Kenyan government’s preference for Chinese contractors for major projects under KURA and KENHA left local engineers with less lucrative, high-risk, and high-kickback projects.
Corruption and Kickbacks
Corruption has been a persistent issue within the engineering sector. Local firms often face demands for hefty kickbacks at various stages of project execution. This unethical practice not only drains financial resources but also demoralizes local engineers and firms, reducing their competitive edge.
Pending Bills and Financial Instability
The problem of pending bills has exacerbated the financial woes of engineering firms. Many local companies are owed substantial amounts for completed projects, leading to cash flow issues and, in some cases, bankruptcy. The uncertainty surrounding payment for services rendered has deterred investment in the local engineering sector.
Salaries and Remuneration Commission Policies
The harmonization of salaries by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has led to a devaluation of engineering positions within the civil service. The reduced salary disparity between engineers and other professionals has made the field less attractive to top talent, contributing to a brain drain and a decline in job satisfaction.
Decline of Local Manufacturing
The outsourcing of manufacturing needs to China and neighbouring countries has resulted in the loss of numerous engineering and design jobs. The decline of local manufacturing industries has stripped engineers of employment opportunities that were once abundant in the domestic market.
Professional Regulators and Internal Conflicts
Professional regulators (EBK, KETRB) and associations (IEK, IET, AAK Engineers chapter), instead of defending the interests of engineers, have often been embroiled in internal conflicts. Disputes over the recognition of emerging engineering courses and degrees from newer universities have further fragmented the profession, weakening its collective bargaining power.
Regulators such as EBK and KETRB are now more concerned with registering as many members as possible to increase their subscription revenues. They take the transition from graduate engineer to professional engineer as the cure for all engineering ills facing the profession. They throw some ratios of the number of professional engineers to the population as some kind of magic number that shall solve all our engineering problems. They do not know that they hundreds of professional and consulting engineers who are unemployed, underemployed and underpaid. How will rushing to transit the so-called #10,000 help? Doesn’t this not compromise the quality of the professionals we are registering? Shall we suddenly become more innovative and inventive because we shall have more professional engineers?
IEK has, over the years, done very little to help its members and the profession. People rush to get elected to the IEK council for their own selfish interest, mostly to get nominated to boards of public companies and institutions.
The Current State of Engineering Graduates
Today’s engineering graduates find themselves in a precarious position, no better off than their peers in less technical fields. The once-clear path to success and financial stability through engineering has been obscured by systemic issues, leaving many young engineers disillusioned and unemployed.
Potential Solutions to Revive the Engineering Profession
To restore the engineering profession to its former glory, several measures need to be implemented:
Government Support for Local Firms
The Kenyan government must prioritize local engineering firms for major projects, reducing reliance on foreign contractors. This support could involve offering favourable loans, grants, and tax incentives to encourage the growth of local engineering enterprises.
Tackling Corruption
A robust anti-corruption framework is essential to eliminate the culture of kickbacks and ensure fair compensation for services rendered. Transparent procurement processes and stringent enforcement of anti-corruption laws can help restore trust in the system.
Clearing Pending Bills
The government should make it a priority to clear pending bills owed to engineering firms. This action would provide much-needed liquidity to struggling companies and rejuvenate the local engineering sector.
Enhancing Professional Regulation
Professional associations must focus on uniting engineers and advocating for their collective interests. This effort includes recognizing all accredited engineering courses and degrees, fostering inclusivity, and resisting external pressures that undermine the profession.
Reviving Local Manufacturing
Investing in the revival of local manufacturing industries will create jobs and opportunities for engineers. Policies that encourage domestic production and innovation can help rebuild a robust engineering job market.
Improving Education and Training
Revisiting the engineering curriculum to align with current industry needs and emerging technologies can better prepare graduates for the job market. Partnerships between universities and industry players can ensure that educational programs are relevant and up-to-date.
An Engineering Union
A national engineering union may help aggressively agitate for engineering rights.
FAQs
What caused the decline of the engineering profession in Kenya?
Several factors contributed to the decline, including the influx of Chinese firms, corruption and kickbacks, pending bills, salary harmonization by the SRC, the decline of local manufacturing, and internal conflicts within professional associations.
How has corruption affected the engineering profession in Kenya?
Corruption, particularly in the form of kickbacks, has drained financial resources and demoralized local firms. This practice has made it difficult for engineers to compete fairly and has led to financial instability within the sector.
What role did Chinese firms play in the decline of Kenyan engineering?
Chinese firms, backed by conditional loans, took over large-scale government projects, sidelining local engineering firms. This preference for foreign contractors has reduced opportunities for Kenyan engineers and contributed to the sector’s decline.
How can the government support the revival of the engineering profession?
The government can prioritize local firms for major projects, tackle corruption, clear pending bills, and invest in reviving local manufacturing. Additionally, enhancing professional regulation and improving education and training are crucial steps.
What impact has the decline had on engineering graduates?
Engineering graduates today face high unemployment rates and financial instability. The profession is no longer seen as a guaranteed path to success and prosperity, leading to disillusionment among young engineers.
How can professional associations help revive the engineering profession?
Professional associations can unite engineers, advocate for their interests, recognize all accredited engineering courses and degrees, and resist external pressures. Fostering inclusivity and promoting the profession’s collective interests are essential.
The decline of the engineering profession in Kenya is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes. However, with concerted efforts from the government, professional associations, and the engineers themselves, it is possible to reverse this trend. By addressing corruption, supporting local firms, and investing in education and manufacturing, Kenya can restore the engineering profession to its rightful place as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic development.
