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"id": 19175,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/19175/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Kinyanjui",
"speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister, Ministry of Roads",
"speaker": {
"id": 48,
"legal_name": "Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui",
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"content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Engineers Bill 2011 seeks to repeal and replace the Engineers Registration Act, Cap.530, of the Laws of Kenya. I wish to begin with the background information. The Engineers Registration Act was enacted into law in 1969. We must all appreciate that since 1969, which is almost 42 years ago, a lot has changed in the field of engineering both in Kenya and globally. Time has come to make laws that are current and relevant, as well as keeping pace with the changing global practices. The current law lacks adequate provisions for enforcement of the practicing standards. That is the reason why it has been very difficult for the Engineers Registration Board to intervene where licensed professionals are not involved in design, construction, manufacture or fabrication of engineering facilities. That has led to all manner of persons getting involved in carrying out responsibilities that are ought to be carried out by professional engineers. The end result is fatal collapse or failure of structures and other facilities leading to regrettable loss of innocent lives and damage of properties. This scenario is unacceptable and must be brought to an end. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all stakeholders who have participated in the preparation of this Bill. We have taken close to five years to reach this stage. This Bill, together with the National Construction Authority Bill which has been tabled before this House, when enacted into law, are aimed at regulating and restoring normalcy in the construction industry. It is anticipated that Bills for regulating other professionals involved in the construction industry will also be tabled before this House. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, engineers are expected to play a significant role in the development of our country. As you are aware, infrastructure has been identified under the Kenya Vision 2030 as one of the main foundations underpinning the three pillars of the vision, namely; social, political and economic pillars. Engineers are expected to fully participate in the implementation of infrastructure projects that are key to providing an impetus and momentum for wealth creation for this country. Currently, the Government is implementing a number of these projects covering energy, water, roads, ports, irrigation, airports and telecommunications, among others. The Government’s commitment to the provision of infrastructure has been demonstrated through increased budgetary allocations over the years. In the financial year 2011/2012, the allocation stands at 20 per cent of the total Budget. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, currently, there is a huge demand for trained and experienced engineers. This is due to the unprecedented number of ongoing infrastructure projects in energy, water, roads, ports, irrigation, airports and telecommunications, among others. It is, therefore, important that industry players deliberately take an active role in the internship of graduate engineers. Further, experienced engineers should undergo continuing professional development to ensure that they remain relevant in the profession. The Bill aims at strengthening the profession through the provision of enhanced training and knowledge sharing. This will result in benefits to society in terms of higher professional standards as well as higher levels of ethics in the practice of engineering in the country. It is for this reason that a provision has been made in the Bill to make continuing professional development mandatory for all professional engineers. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Bill is made up of eight parts. I will briefly go through each part. Part I contains the preliminary provisions. Part II has the provisions incorporating and specifying the membership of the Engineers Registration Bill. The part also sets out the functions of the Board, among which is to ensure that high standards are maintained both in training, performance and rendering of engineering professional services. Some examples include the following:- 1. To enter and inspect sites where construction, installation, erection, alteration, renovation, maintenance, processing or manufacturing works are in process for the purposes of verifying that:- (i) Engineering activities are undertaken by engineers registered in appropriate categories and engineering consultancy firms. (ii) The standards and professional ethics and relevant health and safety aspects are observed. 2. It is expected that the Board will recommend suspension of any works, projects, services, installation processes or any other engineering activities which are done without meeting the required standards. It is also expected that the Bill will establish a school of engineering and provide facilities and opportunities for learning, professional exposure and skills acquisition and cause continuing professional development programmes for engineers to be held. 3. To plan, arrange, co-ordinate and oversee professional training and facilitate internship of graduate engineers. 4. It is also expected that the Bill will determine the fees to be charged by professional engineers and firms for professional engineering services rendered from time to time. 5. Issue, maintain and enforce the code of ethics for engineers and regulate the code of conduct of the engineering professionals in general. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, Part III contains the provisions on registration of engineers in the country. It imposes the requirements for registration of engineers and also sets out the qualification for the same registration. Further, it includes the provision of registration of engineering consulting firms, a provision that we do not have in the earlier Bill."
}