Karua urges women engineers to lead in policy and governance

Women engineers must take leadership roles and actively shape Kenya’s development by ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making, Martha Karua has said.

Speaking at a dinner on organised by the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) to celebrate women in engineering, the People’s Liberation Party leader called for greater visibility, professionalism and value-based leadership in the sector.

Karua criticised the outsourcing of engineering expertise to foreign firms despite Kenya having highly trained professionals.

“Why educate a large pool of engineers only to hire foreign experts? Engineering is not just about structures; it is about shaping policy and leadership,” she said.

She urged engineers to be proactive in governance, noting that political decisions influence industry policies, taxation and resource allocation.

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“If professionals were in key decision-making roles, policies would be different. Engineers must step up, join professional bodies, lobby for representation and even consider elective office,” she noted.

Karua also called for greater participation of women engineers in leadership and mentorship, citing the judiciary and medical fields as examples of successful female representation.

“Yes, we are underrepresented but we must claim our space. The Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and Chief Registrar of the Judiciary are all women. Women engineers must also rise and be counted,” she noted.

She urged senior professionals to mentor young engineers and uphold integrity, warning that corruption and unprofessional conduct have tainted many industries.

“Public funds are often misused with professionals complicit—an engineer approving a faulty structure, an accountant covering financial misdeeds. We must restore professional ethics and national values,” she said.

Institution of Engineers of Kenya First Vice President Harrison Keter praised the progress of women in engineering and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

 “Women are shaping engineering in Kenya and we must support them. Collaboration is key to ensuring female engineers get the opportunities