By John Kariuki
Eng. Margaret Ogai, the dynamic Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), captivated audiences during a live media breakfast interview on Tuesday morning. The session, hosted by one of the country’s leading media houses, was themed “Regulating Engineering Services for Public Safety and Welfare”—a subject she addressed with remarkable clarity and authority.
Under Eng. Ogai’s visionary leadership, Kenya's engineering profession has witnessed a remarkable transformation, earning both local and global recognition. She emphasized the pivotal role engineers play in driving national growth and development, noting that the country’s progress—from expansive road networks to towering skyscrapers—is a direct result of homegrown engineering excellence.
A trailblazer in her own right as the first female CEO of the EBK, Eng. Ogai proudly highlighted strides made in promoting gender equality within the profession. She revealed that out of the 22,000 engineering students currently pursuing degrees in Kenyan universities, at least 30% are women—a notable improvement in a field historically dominated by men.
"We are working tirelessly with like-minded institutions to market engineering as a lucrative career choice while also dismantling the outdated stereotypes that have long discouraged women from joining the profession," she affirmed.
Eng. Ogai did not shy away from addressing the critical issue of compliance and professional integrity. She reiterated the Board’s unwavering commitment to ensuring strict adherence to the Engineering Code of Conduct, warning that errant practitioners would face disciplinary action.
"We’ve observed a worrying trend where unlicensed individuals are taking on engineering work meant for qualified professionals. This not only undermines the profession but also poses serious risks to public safety. We must upscale compliance efforts and protect the integrity of engineering services," she stated.
To streamline enforcement, Eng. Ogai revealed a forward-thinking plan to establish a centralized, integrated licensing portal. This digital platform will enhance transparency, boost regulation, and ensure that only qualified engineers practice in the country.
Eng. Matalanga, a respected consulting engineer and a member of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) Executive Board, echoed Eng. Ogai’s sentiments on the need for stringent regulation in the industry. Speaking as a seasoned practitioner, he emphasized the necessity of engineers executing their work with high levels of accuracy and precision.
"Engineering is a discipline where even the smallest mistake can have catastrophic consequences. Poorly executed projects lead to infrastructure failures, loss of lives, and destruction of property, such as building collapses. We must ensure that all engineering work is done by licensed and competent professionals to safeguard public safety," Eng. Matalanga stated.
His insights reinforced the importance of ethical practice and adherence to professional standards in preventing disasters and ensuring the durability of Kenya’s infrastructure.
Looking beyond Kenya’s borders, Eng. Ogai outlined a bold vision to secure international accreditation for Kenya’s engineering programs. She announced that the Board had recently undergone an assessment by international evaluators, a crucial step in ensuring Kenyan engineers can seamlessly work abroad without undergoing additional training.
"Our goal is to have internationally accredited programs so that when our engineers seek employment in Australia, Europe, or any other part of the world, their qualifications will be recognized. This will not only elevate their careers but also address the global shortage of engineering professionals," she noted.
Eng. Ogai concluded by urging the public to actively participate in safeguarding the profession. She emphasized the importance of consulting licensed engineers for any technical projects to ensure public safety.
"Engineering is at the heart of our country’s development. By working together—professionals, institutions, and the public—we can build a safer, more prosperous Kenya," she said passionately.
As Eng. Margaret Ogai and other key figures like Eng. Matalanga continue to advocate for regulatory compliance, gender inclusivity, and global recognition, Kenya’s engineers are well-positioned to play a crucial role in both national and international development.
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