The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, aimed at regulating the construction industry. The bill proposes tougher penalties for unqualified practitioners, including a fine of up to Sh2 million or imprisonment for up to two years for offences involving false registration or licensing. This move seeks to strengthen professional oversight and improve building safety in the country.
The proposed law will replace the existing legislation dating back to 1934 and introduce mandatory annual practising licences for professionals covered by the bill. It also seeks to empower a new regulatory board to inspect construction sites and extend regulation to landscape architects, interior designers, and construction project managers. This aims to address concerns over compliance with approved building plans, professional accountability, and enforcement of construction standards.
Recent building collapses in Nairobi have raised concerns over the regulation of the construction industry. In January, a multi-storey building under construction in Nairobi's South C estate collapsed, killing two people. Another building under construction in Karen collapsed barely a week later, killing two workers and injuring seven others. These incidents highlighted the need for stricter regulation and oversight in the industry.
The bill has faced opposition from some industry professionals, who argue that different professions have distinct training requirements, responsibilities, and scopes of practice. In August, representatives of construction-related professional associations called for its withdrawal, citing concerns over the proposed legislation. However, the Cabinet has moved forward with the bill, which will now proceed through Parliament for approval.
The proposed legislation seeks to update the regulatory framework governing architects and quantity surveyors while bringing additional built-environment professionals under a common regulatory structure. This aims to streamline the industry and ensure that construction professionals are qualified and accountable. The bill's approval by the Cabinet is a significant step towards implementing these changes.
The National Construction Authority has expressed concerns over the collapse of buildings due to non-compliance with approved structural designs. In the case of the South C estate building collapse, the authority found that construction had reached 14 storeys, despite the approved design providing for a 12-storey building. The proposed legislation aims to prevent such incidents by ensuring that construction professionals adhere to approved plans and standards.
The Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, will now be presented to Parliament for approval. If passed, it will become law and provide a new regulatory framework for the construction industry. The bill's implementation is expected to improve building safety and accountability in the industry, while also providing a framework for the regulation of construction professionals.
Key points
- The Cabinet has approved the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, which proposes tougher penalties for unqualified practitioners.
- The bill seeks to strengthen professional oversight and improve building safety in the country.
- The proposed legislation will introduce mandatory annual practising licences for professionals covered by the bill.
