IEK Launches “Employment for 10,000 Engineers” Campaign to Safeguard Local Jobs

Last Updated 6 months ago by Kenya Engineer

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), the premier professional body representing the engineering fraternity in Kenya, has sounded the alarm over what it terms as the “rampant mistreatment, marginalization, and systematic exclusion” of Kenyan engineers by foreign firms operating in the country.

In a statement released on 20th August 2025, IEK expressed grave concern over reports that foreign firms are underpaying Kenyan engineers, misusing their professional expertise, and allocating key projects to non-nationals, thereby depriving local professionals of opportunities rightfully theirs.

“Verified reports have continued to reach the Council that foreign firms are underpaying engineers, misusing their professional expertise, and diverting opportunities that rightfully belong to Kenyan professionals,” said Eng. Shammah Kiteme, CE, FIEK, President of IEK.

The Problem

According to IEK, Kenyan engineers are being systematically disadvantaged in several ways, including:

1. Unfair remuneration practices by foreign firms operating locally.
2. Misuse of engineers in roles that neither reflect their training nor their contractual obligations.
3. Diversion of jobs and projects to non-nationals despite the proven competence and availability of Kenyan engineers.

IEK notes that such practices undermine Kenya’s technical capacity, violate the principles of equity and fairness, and threaten national development.

Grievances and Demands

On behalf of the engineering fraternity, IEK is calling for:

1. Immediate enforcement of existing laws to ensure Kenyan engineers receive fair remuneration and treatment.

2. Protection of professional opportunities for Kenyan engineers as a matter of national priority.

3. Transparent review of foreign engagement in engineering projects to ensure strict compliance with Kenyan labour and professional standards.

Peaceful March and Public Petition

To escalate its push for reforms, IEK has organized a peaceful march and public petition to be held on 27th August 2025.

Meeting Point: IEK Offices, Top Plaza, Kindaruma Road, Nairobi

Proceeding: A peaceful procession to deliver the petition to relevant authorities

Dress Code: All engineers are requested to wear hard hats as a symbol of solidarity and professional unity

The march will be conducted in strict adherence to Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition peacefully, as well as the Public Order Act, Cap 56, Section 5(1).

Shared Responsibility

IEK reaffirmed its readiness to work collaboratively with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the wider public to ensure that Kenyan engineers are accorded their rightful place in nation-building.

“This is a collective responsibility,” Eng. Kiteme emphasized. “IEK will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.”