In Kenya, becoming a registered professional engineer is an essential step for anyone looking to practice engineering legally and professionally. The registration process is overseen by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), a statutory body tasked with regulating the engineering profession, building capacity for engineers, and ensuring that engineering standards are upheld across the country. This guide outlines the steps required to register as a professional engineer in Kenya.
Steps to Register as a Professional Engineer in Kenya
1. Ensure You Meet the Required Qualifications
Before starting the registration process, you must meet certain qualifications set by the EBK. These include:
- Graduate Engineer Registration: You must already be registered as a graduate engineer with the EBK.
- Work Experience: You should have at least three years of working experience from the date of registration as a graduate engineer.
- Supervised Experience: You must have worked under the supervision of a registered professional engineer during your employment.
2. Fill Out the Application Form
The next step is to fill out the Professional Engineer Registration form. The application form is available on the EBK’s official website. You can access the form directly by visiting Professional Engineer Registration.
3. Attach the Required Documents
Your application must be accompanied by several supporting documents. Ensure that you have the following ready:
- Certified copies of your Degree Certificate and any other relevant academic documents.
- Certified copies of your National ID or Passport.
- A copy of your EBK Graduate Engineer Certificate.
- IEK Membership Certificate or a receipt showing proof of your application for membership to the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV), certified by one of your referees.
- Two passport-sized photographs (colored).
Ensure that all certifications are done by a commissioner of oaths, and the commissioner’s details (name and address) must be fully displayed on the rubber stamp.
4. Pay the Application Fee
To submit your application, you are required to pay an application fee of Kshs 10,000. The payment should be deposited into the following EBK bank account:
- Account Name: Engineers Board of Kenya
- Account Number: 01001031539000
- Bank: National Bank, Hill Plaza Branch
Remember to keep the bank deposit slip as it will be required when submitting your application.
5. Submit Your Application
Once your application form is complete and all necessary documents are attached, submit your application along with the bank slip at the Customer Information Desk at the Engineers Board of Kenya.
6. Administrative Review
Once the EBK receives your application, the Board will conduct an administrative review of the documents. If there are any issues or deficiencies in your application, the EBK secretariat will contact you to make the necessary corrections or provide additional information.
7. Referee Contact and Evaluation
The EBK will reach out to the referees you nominated in your application. The application will only proceed once the Board has received responses from at least two referees. Afterward, the application will be forwarded to the Chairman of the panel of your respective engineering discipline for technical evaluation.
8. Technical Evaluation
A panel of experts from the relevant engineering discipline will conduct a technical evaluation of your qualifications and experience. The panel will then make a recommendation, which will be forwarded to the Board for review.
9. Professional Interview Approval
Upon successful technical evaluation, the Board will notify you in writing, confirming your approval to proceed with the professional interview. You will receive instructions and guidelines regarding the professional interview process, including the conduct, expectations, and preparation.
10. Professional Interview
You will be required to sit for the professional interview within one year from the date of the approval notification. This interview assesses your technical knowledge and your ability to handle real-world engineering tasks.
11. Board Review and Ratification
After you complete the professional interview, the results and recommendations will be forwarded to the EBK for deliberation and final ratification. The Board will decide whether or not you have passed the interview based on the panel’s recommendations.
12. Issuance of Professional Engineer Certificate
If your application is successful, the EBK will notify you in writing of their decision. You will then receive a certificate of registration, officially recognizing you as a professional engineer in Kenya.
Engineers Board of Kenya Contact Information
For more information or any assistance throughout the registration process, you can contact the Engineers Board of Kenya through the following:
- Location: Fortis Suites, 9th Floor, Hospital Road, Nairobi
- Phone: 020 271 9974 / 0735 330 744 / 0722 509 972
Conclusion
Registering as a professional engineer in Kenya is a vital step in advancing your engineering career. By meeting the qualifications, submitting the necessary documents, and passing the professional interview, you can earn the professional title that opens doors to a wide range of opportunities within the engineering field. With the backing of the Engineers Board of Kenya, your skills and expertise will be recognized not only locally but also on an international scale.
