Kenya's Cabinet has given its approval to the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, which aims to regulate the profession and impose penalties on individuals who obtain registration or licences fraudulently. The bill proposes fines of up to Sh2 million or a two-year prison term for such offences. This move is part of the government's efforts to enhance building safety and professionalism in the construction industry. The bill was approved on October 9, 2026.
The draft legislation also seeks to introduce mandatory annual practising licences for architects, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, interior designers, and construction project managers. This requirement aims to ensure that only qualified and registered professionals engage in these fields. Failure to obtain a valid licence could result in fines of up to Sh3 million. The bill's provisions are designed to promote accountability and transparency in the construction sector.
The bill aims to replace the 1934 law that currently regulates the profession, with fines capped at Sh5,000 for offences such as unlawful use of protected titles. The new bill's penalties are significantly higher, reflecting the government's determination to crack down on fraudulent practices. The move follows recent incidents highlighting concerns over building safety, including the collapse of the Manzil Towers in Nairobi's South C estate on January 2, which resulted in two fatalities.
Investigations into the Manzil Towers collapse revealed that the approved structural design allowed only 12 storeys, but the building had risen to 14 storeys before failing. The National Construction Authority conducted the investigation. This incident, along with a separate incident in April 2025 where an 11-storey building in Mombasa partially collapsed, has raised concerns over alleged misuse of professional credentials and design flaws.
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya has reported that inspections of approximately 15,000 Nairobi buildings found only 15 percent were safe, with another 8 percent in fair condition. These findings underscore the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the construction sector. The bill's provisions aim to address these concerns and promote a culture of professionalism and accountability.
The bill will now proceed to Parliament, where it must complete the legislative process before any of its provisions can become law. If passed, the bill is expected to have a significant impact on the construction industry, promoting greater professionalism and accountability among practitioners. The government's efforts to regulate the sector are seen as a positive step towards enhancing building safety and protecting the public.
The Cabinet's approval of the bill has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a crucial step towards addressing concerns over building safety and professionalism. The bill's provisions are expected to promote a culture of accountability and transparency in the construction sector, ultimately benefiting the public and the economy as a whole. The bill's implementation will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and the general public.
Key points
- The bill proposes fines of up to Sh2 million or a two-year prison term for individuals who obtain professional registration or licences fraudulently.
- The bill seeks to introduce mandatory annual practising licences for architects, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, interior designers, and construction project managers.
- The bill aims to replace the 1934 law that currently regulates the profession, with significantly higher penalties for offences.
