Professional Engineer License Requirements in Kenya
Professional Engineer License Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts
Executive Summary
- All professional engineers practicing in Kenya must be registered and licensed by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
- Registration is governed by the Engineers Act 2011 and Engineers Rules 2019
- Requirements include accredited engineering degree, minimum 2.5-3 years supervised experience, professional interviews, and written examination
- Application fee: KES 10,000; Annual license fee: KES 10,000
- Graduate engineers must first register, then progress to professional engineer status
- Foreign engineers can apply for temporary registration (KES 150,000 application fee)
- Licenses must be renewed annually
- EBK is located at Fortis Suites, 9th Floor, Upper Hill, Hospital Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2221667, +254 723 613 664
- Online services available through eCitizen and EBK portal
The Regulatory Framework
The Engineers Board of Kenya is a statutory body established under Section 3(1) of the Engineers Act 2011. The Board has the overall mandate of developing and regulating engineering practice in Kenya, considered key to achieving the country's Vision 2030 development goals.
The Engineers Act 2011 requires persons seeking to provide engineering professional services to be duly registered and licensed by the Board. This regulation provides public assurance that engineering service providers have been adequately trained, are knowledgeable, and have been assessed to have capacity and maturity to take full personal responsibility for their professional acts.
About the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
The EBK regulates engineering practice through registration, licensing, and enforcement of professional standards. Section 6 of the Engineers Act 2011 mandates the Board to register engineers and engineering consulting firms, regulate engineering professional services, set engineering standards, and develop general engineering practice.
Functions of the Board
- Receive, consider, and make decisions on registration applications
- Issue annual practice licenses to registered engineers
- Accredit engineering degree programs in Kenya and approve foreign programs
- Carry out inquiries on engineering registration and practice matters
- Inspect construction sites to verify professional services compliance
- Enforce engineering standards, professional ethics, and health/safety aspects
- Conduct disciplinary proceedings against erring engineers
- Advise government on engineering policy matters
License Requirements for Professional Engineers
Educational Requirements
Applicants must hold a degree from a University recognized by the Board in an engineering discipline accredited by EBK. The degree must meet EBK's prescribed standards for engineering education.
Experience Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate sufficient skills and professional competence acquired through supervised work experience. Typically, this is achieved within 2.5 to 3 years where structured training is effected. Applicants must have worked under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.
Professional Assessment
Professional Interview: Candidates submit detailed reports documenting their training and experience, then appear before an EBK panel for technical evaluation. At the interview, candidates must explain their training and experience, present their projects, and answer technical questions from panelists.
Written Examination: Candidates below 45 years of age are required to write a 2-hour essay on a topic advised by the panel.
Alternative Path: Applicants who are already Corporate members of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) will sit for professional interview but are exempted from written examinations.
Application Requirements
- Fill Application Form (available on EBK website or Customer Information Desk)
- Attach required documents certified by Commissioner of Oaths:
- Copy of Degree Certificate and other academic certificates
- Copy of KCSE Certificate
- Copy of National Identity Card (ID)
- Two colored passport photos
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Training and experience reports
- Letters from referees (must be Professional Engineers)
- Deposit KES 10,000 application fee at EBK Bank Account
- Submit application online or in person
Registration Fees
| Service Type | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Professional Engineer Application | 10,000 |
| Annual License Fee | 10,000 |
| Late Renewal Penalty | Variable |
IEK Corporate Membership
Candidates can also register through IEK as corporate members and thereafter apply for EBK registration using the same reports (with changed cover pages). This dual path allows for professional recognition through both organizations.
Foreign Professional Engineers
Foreign persons seeking to offer specific engineering professional services in Kenya are required to be registered by the Board under Temporary Professional Engineer category.
Requirements for Foreign Engineers
- Must be duly registered as Professional Engineers in their country of origin
- Must hold valid license to offer services in their home country
- Clients must demonstrate that foreign engineer's services are critical to specific project
- Must prove local citizen engineers are not available for the services required
- Registration is project-specific for defined durations
Fees for Temporary Registration
| Service Type | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 150,000 |
| Annual License Fee | 150,000 |
Engineers Board of Kenya Contact Information
Physical Address:
Engineers Board of Kenya
Fortis Suites, 9th Floor
Upper Hill, Hospital Road
Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 14921-00800
Nairobi, Kenya
Contact Details:
Phone: +254 20 2221667
Mobile: +254 723 613 664
Email: info@ebk.go.ke
Website: www.ebk.go.ke
eCitizen Portal: ebk.ecitizen.go.ke
Payment Details:
M-Pesa Paybill: 839300
Bank: National Bank, Hill Plaza Branch
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