A major shakeup is looming in the architectural practice as the government has appointed more than 40 architects from the private sector to join the Ministry of Public Works. This follows a series of events that started with an advertisement in national newspapers earlier in the year for 60 architectural entry level positions for graduate architects. And in an unexpected twist of events, the recruitment was quietly carried out as candidates were invited for interviews and appointments through phone calls as opposed to the known government culture of publishing such calls in national newspapers.
Most of these appointees are eager to take up their new position despite the imminent pay cuts they have to contend with, some of as much as 40%. The government offers a basic pay of Kshs 35,000 and allowances of about Kshs 25,000 adding up to a total gross salary of Kshs 60,000. Most of these appointees are earning a gross salary of between Kshs 75,000 to Kshs 100,000 in their current jobs. Asked why they have chosen to move, they cited dissatisfaction with their current roles and responsibilities. “They are not helping me in any way. Ever since I got this job, I have been seated on a desk, doing schedules and details, I will end up being a desk architect,” one said. Another raised concerns that he may not gain relevant experience to enable him register as an architect if he sticks to his current job, “I am just a highly paid draftsman. They can use my salary to employ two draftsmen as it’s what they need,” he said.
All in all, the move will shake up the private sector as all the appointees are handling several projects in their current places of employment and it may take time before these firms get replacements. Both big and small architectural firms will he hit.
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That’s a goog one; I like the whole stealth thing, makes me think they’re serious about what they want to achieve. Hopefully, they succeed.
well over due
This is the best action the coalition has taken all year: To many buildings are disaters waiting to happen
Look out for a revolution in the housing sector as well as in the approval of housing projects! This is a new way of the government doing business!
This is good.
Am honoured and humbled.
Its their turn to eat
Shame on you Douglas. You embarass Kenyans with your remarks.
I hope that they are not the cowboys.
Osman, these architects are not angels. They are just Kenyans. And how were they appointed? And why 40? Like Ali Baba and the 40 thieves?
Douglas, maybe you need to read and understand the report before you comment? Or esle, you may end up misrepresenting yourself.
Dougi, i have been conned by a lawyer once and i can see you are one. Will i be right to say that all lawyers are conmen and women? Food for thought……..
As for the government not publicly announcing who was appointed and the phone calls being made, i don’t understand, but as per the appointments, for sure it was fair and transparent…unless someone has information that we don’t posses..