The recent appointment of Aisha Jumwa Katana as the non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), as outlined in Gazette Notice No. 395 dated January 17, 2025, has sparked concerns regarding compliance with the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999 (Rev. 2023).
The Kenya Roads Board Act stipulates specific requirements for the composition and selection of Board members. Section 7 of the Act outlines that the Chairperson must be appointed by the President from among the members nominated by organizations listed in the First Schedule. These organizations include the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), the Automobile Association of Kenya, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and the Kenya Transport Association.
However, Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana’s appointment has drawn criticism for not aligning with these legal provisions, as she does not represent any of the listed organizations. This has raised questions about the adherence to statutory guidelines in the appointment process.
Given KRB’s critical role in road development, maintenance, and infrastructure management, stakeholders argue that appointing a professional with a background in civil, structural, or transport engineering would provide essential expertise to address the Board’s technical mandate effectively.
“The core functions of Kenya Roads Board involve technical oversight of road conditions, advising on construction standards, and ensuring effective project execution. An engineering professional at the helm would bring invaluable technical insight to these responsibilities,” noted a representative from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya.
The IEK has emphasized the importance of aligning the Board’s leadership with its technical mandate, pointing out that one of the organizations listed in the First Schedule is entitled to nominate members to the Board. This reinforces the link between the engineering profession and the Board’s functions.
In light of these concerns, there have been calls for the revocation of Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana’s appointment and the selection of a Chairperson with the requisite professional qualifications and adherence to the law.
The Kenya Roads Board remains central to Kenya’s infrastructure development, and its leadership is expected to reflect both technical competence and compliance with legal frameworks to ensure effective delivery of its mandate.
