President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed into law the Engineering Technology Bill 2016.
The Engineering Technology Act 2016 provides for the regulation, practice and standards of engineering technologists and technicians.
The new law outlines the requirements to be fulfilled when applying for a practising licence and requires engineering technologists and technicians to obtain licences before they can practice.
Through the Act, an Engineering Technologists and Technicians Registration Board will be established to, among other things, issue licences to qualified persons.
The Board will have power to enter and inspect sites where construction, installation, erection, alteration, renovation, maintenance, processing or manufacturing works are in progress to verify that engineering professional services and works are undertaken by registered persons under the Act.
The Board will also ensure standards and professional ethics and relevant health and safety aspects are observed in line with Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007.
Members of the Board will have unfettered powers to enter and inspect business premises for verification purposes and for monitoring works, services and goods rendered by professional engineering technologists.
The Board will have power to recommend for the suspension of any engineering technology professional services, works, projects, installation process which are done without meeting the set standards.
It will also set standards and conduct professional examinations for the purpose of registration where applicable.
The Bill was on Tuesday presented to the President for his signature by Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi at State House, Nairobi.
Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, Clerk to the National Assembly Justin Bundi, Majority Leader in Parliament Aden Duale, Bomet Women Representative Cecilia Ngetich and Solicitor General Njee Muturi witnessed the signing of the Bill.
By PSCU.