IEK and Makueni County Sign Landmark MoU to Bolster Infrastructure Development and Engineering Standards

In a major stride towards strengthening Kenya’s infrastructure landscape, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Makueni County Government to foster collaboration on infrastructure development, technical cooperation, and professional capacity building.

The signing ceremony brought together a high-level delegation from IEK, led by President Eng. Shammah Kiteme, and included Eng. Lilian Kilel, Eng. Damaris Oyaro, Eng. Hanna Njeeri, Eng. Yvonne Robert, and PR & Partnerships Secretary Mr. Anvar Alot.

They were warmly received by H.E. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, who praised the agreement as a long-awaited opportunity to harness engineering expertise for the county’s development agenda.

Speaking during the event, Eng. Kiteme emphasized the importance of technical partnerships at the county level, especially as devolution continues to empower counties to implement critical infrastructure projects.

“It is very deliberate working with counties through the Council of Governors (CoG), because we recognize that many of our members are working directly in these regions. This partnership will ensure quality control, promote engineering standards, and help counties achieve sustainable development,” said Eng. Kiteme.

He also highlighted IEK’s recent collaboration with the National Construction Authority (NCA) and CoG to launch a Site Inspection Handbook, aimed at standardizing construction practices and improving safety across the 47 counties.

“We are addressing the malpractices in the construction sector where standards are often ignored. This handbook is an essential tool to guarantee quality and safety in public infrastructure projects,” he added.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hailed the partnership as a crucial step toward leveraging technical knowledge to improve project execution and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

“This MoU unlocks access to engineering expertise that we’ve been seeking for years. It allows our local engineers to upskill and seek professional certifications from IEK, supporting their growth and ensuring better delivery of services,” said the Governor.

He disclosed that the county had already engaged IEK’s support in resolving a technical dispute related to affordable housing, involving concerns about material quality. The Governor emphasized the importance of having independent, expert evaluations to guide decision-making.

“With buildings collapsing across the country, we must act decisively. I urge all county governments to work closely with IEK to benefit from their expert guidance. This will not only safeguard public investments but also ensure that all infrastructure is safe and built to last,” he noted.

Governor Mutula further called for IEK’s involvement in other ongoing and future projects, including roads, public buildings, water systems, and industrial facilities, stressing the need for compliance with internationally recognized engineering standards.

The partnership is expected to pave the way for joint initiatives in training, audits, inspections, and policy formulation, making Makueni a model county for professional and accountable infrastructure development