In a rare move, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has announced plans to stage a peaceful protest march on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to petition the government over what it terms as persistent mistreatment and marginalization of Kenyan engineers. In a statement signed by IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme, the society decried the unfair treatment of local engineers by foreign firms, citing cases of underpayment, misuse of professional expertise, and the allocation of jobs to expatriates at the expense of qualified Kenyans.
IEK said these practices undermine both the dignity of Kenyan engineers and the country’s technical capacity. It is calling for the immediate enforcement of laws to guarantee fair remuneration, protection of professional opportunities for Kenyans, and a transparent review of foreign engagement in engineering works to ensure compliance with local labour and professional standards.
The march will begin at the IEK offices on Kindaruma Road, Nairobi, and proceed to deliver a petition to the authorities. Engineers participating in the procession have been asked to wear hard hats as a symbol of solidarity. IEK emphasized that the demonstration will be conducted peacefully in line with Article 37 of the Constitution and the Public Order Act, and that participants will disperse after presenting the petition and addressing the media.
Eng. Kiteme said the institution remains committed to working with government, industry stakeholders, and the public to secure the rightful place of Kenyan engineers in national development, adding that IEK will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as necessary.
