The Engineering Technology Act 2016 was introduced in several regions to regulate and enhance the practice of engineering technology by establishing standards for qualifications, professional ethics, and the role of engineering technologists. Its goal is to promote the effective and ethical application of engineering technologies, ensuring that professionals in this field maintain high standards of expertise and accountability. The act also addresses the growing importance of engineering technology in various sectors, from infrastructure to manufacturing, and emphasizes the need for qualified practitioners to drive innovation while safeguarding public safety and welfare. This piece of legislation aims to create a clear framework for the profession, defining the responsibilities and certifications required for engineering technologists.
On 2nd August, 2016, the President of Kenya Honorable Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday assented on the Engineering Technology Bill 2016 into law.
The Engineering Technology Act 2016 will regulate, standardize the practices of all technicians and technologists.
The new Act must be adhered to by applicants seeking a practicing licence before practicing in Kenya. The Act creates an Engineering Technologists and Technicians Registration Board. It issues licenses to all qualified persons.
The Board will use its power to enter construction sites for inspection of installations, renovation, erection, alteration, processing, maintenance and manufacturing processes. This will ensure that professional services are only provided by registered practitioners as stipulated by the act.
The Board will also make sure that professional ethics and standards are observed to the letter in accordance to Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007.
The members of the board will not require permission to enter premises where construction is on-going (unfettered powers). Any contravention of the Act will lead to suspension of the works, installation and services which do not meet the set standards.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Justin Muturi presented the Bill to the president for assent. The following were witnesses during the signing ceremony: Head of Public Service, Clerk of the National Assembly, Majority Leader, Bomet County Women representative and Solicitor General.
The Engineering Technologists and Technicians Bill 2015 was proposed by Hon. Cecilia Ngetich. The regulation of technologists and technicians is in line with the global best practices and it is in line with the Dublin and Sydney Accords. The United States, United Kingdom, South and Africa and Malaysia operate different registers for technicians, engineers and technologists. This is not a new concept in Kenya’s medical profession where doctors, dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists are regulated by different bodies for quality purposes.
The engineers will be regulated by the Act which created the Engineering Board of Kenya. Therefore, the new act will regulate technologists and technicians.
This technology Act 2016 will protect the technicians and technologists from exploitation by contractors in terms of remunerations and other labor practices. Secondly, it will promote uniformity and quality services.
Read more;
–AIA Engineering founder Bhadresh Shah net worth $2.4 billion
The Engineering Technologists and Technicians Registration Board will perform the following functions:
-
Issue licences
-
Handle disciplinary measures
-
Enter and inspect construction sites
-
Assess, approve or reject engineering technologists qualifications for foreigners intending to offer engineering technology services in Kenya.
-
Set standards for engineering technologists
-
conduct professional examinations on engineering technologies
It is important to note that, if you are offering engineering technologist or technician services and you are not licensed then you are committing an offense. Make sure you are complaint under the new law.
If you have any questions concerning this article, contact us on email info@kerosi.com.
