Background information

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) is the learned society of the engineering profession and co-operates with national and other international institutions in developing and applying engineering to the benefit of humanity.

History of IEK

The East African Association of Engineers (EAAE), which was the precursor to the Institution of Engineers of the Kenya (IEK), was formed in 1945 as a professional and learned body, independent of control by governments and with membership spread in the original East Africa i.e. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania (Tanganyika and Zanzibar). The break up of the East African Community in the early 1970's resulted in the splitting of most of the professional/learned bodies, among them the EAAE. IEK was born out of this split. IEK was registered as a professional/learned and independent body in 1972.

Ideals and Objectives of IEK

The ideals and objectives of IEK since its formation have been:

1. To represent the diverse interests of all branches of engineering.
2. To promote, encourage and improve the application of engineering to technical and other related practices.
3. To facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on technical and other related matters.
4. To safe-guard the dignity and integrity of the engineering profession and safeguard the standards set to guide the application of engineering knowledge to the solution of problems.
5. To contribute to and set standards for theoretical, practical and management training leading to acceptance to Membership of IEK and registration by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
6. Commitment to Continuous Professional Development for members of IEK.

Distribution of Membership

Most members of IEK are resident in Kenya but IEK has members outside Kenya. The membership is drawn from practising engineers in the local/and central government departments, parastatals, private industry, consultants, contractors, educators, designers, manufacturers and other persons interested in engineering. The IEK is organised into the following units:

1. Council of IEK based in Nairobi
2. Coast Branch based in Mombasa
3. Western Branch based in Eldoret
4. Central Kenya Branch based in Nyeri
5. South Rift Branch based in Nakuru

The interest of all members are represented by the Council of IEK, which coordinates the interests/activities of the regional branches and various other associated bodies. The Council of IEK arranges national conferences, seminars and representation of IEK members in various committees formed in the country and internationally. The regional branches and their committees play a vital role in membership contract by organising lectures, demonstrations, technical visits and in upholding professional standards. The success of the regional branches depends greatly on the support given by members who are encouraged to take a positive part in the activities of regional branches. The regional branches ensure maximum benefit is obtained by members and help to expand the membership of the IEK.

Activities of IEK

IEK provides a service to its members by means of seminars, lectures, publications and training, to enable them to keep up to date with technical and industrial developments, management aspects of engineering, changes in technology and relevant developments in Kenya and elsewhere. The "Kenya Engineer" is the bi-monthly journal of the IEK and is distributed to all members of IEK.