| Written by Faith Mwende |
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has moved to court seeking orders to compel the Public Service Commission (PSC) to improve terms of service for engineers employed in the civil service.
In a statement on Thursday, IEK President Engineer Shammah Kiteme confirmed that the institution had petitioned the judiciary after prolonged negotiations with the PSC failed to yield results.
Among the demands in the petition is the upgrading of the entry-level grade for engineers from Civil Service Grade (CSG) 10 to CSG 9, which IEK argues better reflects their training, responsibilities, and contribution to national development.
The engineers are also demanding the introduction of risk allowance and non-practising allowance for those working in government, benefits they noted are already available to other professionals such as lawyers and doctors.
According to IEK, the legal action follows consultations that began on December 15, 2022, when the institution opened dialogue with PSC.
A formal proposal was submitted in March 2023, supported by comparative studies on employment terms across professions in the public sector.
The studies highlighted wide disparities, with engineers citing “long-standing labour injustices” that have left them demotivated.
IEK maintained that it “remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of engineers in Kenya and will pursue all legal means to ensure justice is served.”
The matter is now before the judiciary, with engineers across the country keenly awaiting the outcome of the case.
