Industry News

Jumwa Takes Charge of Kenya Roads Board Amid Backlash

Aisha Jumwa was appointed KRB chair on January 17 for a three-year term.

Updated on

January 30, 2025

Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has assumed her new role as chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), days after the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) fiercely opposed her appointment.

Ms Jumwa assumed office with confidence on Wednesday, ready to face challenges head-on, even as controversy unfolds over her appointment.

During a ceremony attended by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Ms Jumwa reaffirmed her commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities of her new role.

“The signing of the statutory documents marks my commitment to advancing the growth and modernisation of our road networks. I am honoured and excited to collaborate with my colleagues at KRB and all sector stakeholders to fulfil our mandate,” she said.

On Monday, the IEK urged President William Ruto to revoke Ms Jumwa’s appointment, saying the position requires an individual with extensive knowledge in civil, structural or transport engineering to effectively handle the technical aspects of the board’s responsibilities.

The engineering body also questioned the legality of the appointment process, noting that Ms Jumwa did not represent any of the organizations listed in the First Schedule of the KRB Act, which mandates that the chairperson be nominated from specific professional groups.

According to the law, organisations such as the IEK, the Automobile Association of Kenya, and the Kenya Transport Association are required to nominate individuals for the position, a guideline that Ms Jumwa’s appointment did not adhere to, according to the IEK.

“The appointment of Aisha Jumwa does not appear to be in accordance with the KRB Act, specifically in terms of the appointment process,” IEK President Shammah Kiteme said.

“Aisha Jumwa does not represent any of these organisations, raising questions about the adherence to statutory provisions in her appointment.”

Eng. Kiteme further said that the responsibilities of the KRB chairperson involve technical duties such as overseeing road conditions, advising on construction stands and ensuring effective management of road infrastructure hence the office holder should be engineer.