Engineers Polls Back On Track as IEK Sets June 30 Date After Court Ruling

The outgoing council of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has set June 30 as the date for the 2026–2028 council elections. This announcement follows a Kiambu High Court ruling in the case of Sam Aberi vs. IEK and Another, which had previously put the electoral process on hold. The lawsuit had been filed to seek the inclusion of graduate engineers in the council elections.

In a letter dated June 18, signed by outgoing president Eng. Shammah Kiteme, members were informed that the court injunction had been lifted, officially clearing the way for the 2026–2028 council elections to resume.

The council meeting held on the same day approved the new date. Scrutineers have been directed to proceed and finalise the process from where it was stopped. Members are urged to participate, upholding professionalism, integrity, fairness, and respect.

In her judgment, Justice Chepkwony stated that “Courts don’t lightly amputate an institution’s governing instrument and then leave it to stagger in the dark.”

The judge found the petition dated 16th February 2026 wanting in merit. She proceeded to dismiss it and ordered that any interim conservatory orders suspending the first respondent’s elections stand discharged. Each party is to bear its own costs.

The ruling also lifts the suspension on the Special General Meeting resolutions. The caretaker committee was to take over the running of the council with the elections suspended and handle the transition.

A communication from the caretaker committee, chaired by Eng. Hillary Nyaanga similarly welcomed the judgment. The overlapping statements highlight lingering uncertainty over which body will conduct the June 30 polls.

Graduate engineers can only hope for a fresh constitutional review with the next council to address their voting and representation concerns.

Past elections suffered from system failures and transparency complaints. Engineers hope technical issues have been resolved for a credible vote this time.

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya plays a pivotal role in the profession. Its incoming council will steer engagements on infrastructure policy, standards, and member issues.

With the date fixed, focus shifts to final preparations. A smooth process could help restore stability after the extended legal and governance challenges.