The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has called for transparency and adherence to due process in recent management changes at the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), saying the developments have raised governance and professionalism concerns within the roads sector.
In a statement, IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme said the institution was deeply concerned by the abrupt changes affecting the office of the Acting Director General, describing them as irregular and inconsistent with principles of good governance.
“An internal memo dated October 29, 2025, announced the end of term of CPA Rashid Mohamed, MBS, and the appointment of Eng. Isaac Maina as Acting Director General effective the same day,” Eng. Kiteme said.
“Subsequently, IEK has learnt of further management changes targeting the office of the Acting Director General. These changes have caused significant discomfort among our members,” he added.
IEK questioned the legality of the swift management changes, citing Section 12(1) of the KRB Act, which provides that the Director General shall be appointed by the Board in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary.
Eng. Kiteme further noted that leadership instability within KRB could disrupt ongoing programmes, undermine institutional credibility, and discourage merit-based progression within the public service.
IEK demanded that all leadership appointments in technical institutions follow due process and that the government and KRB make public the justification for the recent management reshuffle.
The engineers’ body also urged the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Public Service Commission, and the Office of the Auditor-General to review the circumstances surrounding the transition to ensure compliance with the law.
Additionally, IEK expressed concern over the absence of engineers in senior KRB leadership positions following the 2019 amendment of the KRB Act, which removed the requirement for the Director General to be a civil engineer.
“The removal of the Acting Director General, who is an engineer, within a day reeks of coordinated efforts to sideline engineers at KRB,” the statement read.
IEK called on Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir to address the leadership gap, warning that the lack of engineering representation at the helm of the Board compromises its strategic and technical oversight functions.
