A quantitative assessment of the utilisation of engineering manpower in Kenya

Abstract

This paper outlines the main empirical results of which have emerged from a preliminary analysis of date concerned with the pattern of utilization of engineering manpower in Kenya. It forms part of a wider research study into the formation of engineering labour markets from the early colonial period up until the late 1970s.

For expositional purposes, each of the three main occupational categories of engineering manpower -professional engineers, technicians and artisans- have been discussed separately. Four main aspects of utilisation have been delineated namely, overall stock, inter- and intra- sectoral employment distribution, utilisation of engineering knowledge and task analysis and remuneration structures.

This essentially quantitative analysis of the pattern of engineering utilisation will be supplemented by more qualitative research findings based on archival work, interview surveys of private and public sector employers and information collected from, major trailing institutions.