The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of mistreatment, unceremonious removal and unjust arrest of CEOs who are engineers.
In a statement dated October 7, 2025, IEK president Eng. Shammah Kiteme condemned the recurring practice of arresting engineers with a lot of drama in a manner that disregards human dignity, due process and the principles of fairness.
“Such actions send a chilling message to Kenya’s professional community, threatening to erode confidence in leadership opportunities and risking the flight of highly skilled talent from our key institutions,” Eng. Kiteme noted in a statement.
The IEK President emphasized that engineers by their training are guided by strict professional codes of practice and standards that demand accountability, precision and integrity.
“In most cases, the work of engineers has empirical, verifiable and traceable footprints where in case of an audit any questionable matter can be established factually. It is not uncommon for engineers to find themselves at odds with individuals or systems that attempt to compromise these standards for political or personal gain,” read part of IEK statement.
Kiteme noted that punishing professionals who stand for what is right undermines the very foundation of good governance and institutional integrity.
“Such mistreatment disrupts national productivity, delays critical projects and diminishes Kenya’s capacity to address pressing challenges such as climate adaptation, urban planning and technological progress,” he stated.
He explained that IEK will be the first to call for accountability and those responsible for questionable dealings will take up their crosses in failing to adhere to professionalism and acceptable code of conduct for engineers.
A case in point is Eng. Samuel Oruma who was dramatically removed from his role as the CEO of Central Rift Valley Water Agency. He was subsequently sent on compulsory leave.
“While he has since been cleared by the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions, his name was tarnished, he was forced to resign and leave office and even once cleared there is no remedy to clear this blemish and reinstate him,” read part of IEK statement.
At the same time, IEK called upon the investigative agencies not to be used for political reasons to target innocent, hardworking engineers.
IEK is now calling for transparent investigations, where investigative agencies conduct thorough, independent inquiries into the removal and arrest of engineer CEOs to ensure accountability, fairness and justice.
The Institution of Engineers is also seeking the establishment of strong legal and institutional safeguards to protect professionals in leadership from arbitrary dismissals, undue interference and intimidation, ensuring that decisions remain guided by ethics, competence and merit.
