Kenya's cabinet has approved a bill aimed at tightening accountability among architects, quantity surveyors, and related construction specialists. The Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, seeks to replace the outdated 1934 construction law with a modern regulatory framework. The bill introduces mandatory annual practising licences and grants the regulator broader powers to inspect sites and enforce compliance throughout the building process. This move is expected to enhance oversight and ensure that construction professionals meet the required standards.
The bill proposes stiff penalties for fraudulent registration, including fines of up to Sh2 million and imprisonment of up to two years. Anyone found to have obtained registration or a practising licence fraudulently could face these consequences. The legislation aims to align the regulatory framework with modern construction practices and expand oversight to landscape architects, interior designers, and project managers. This expansion is expected to bring more professionals under the regulatory ambit and improve the overall quality of construction services.
The reforms are driven by a series of fatal building collapses in Nairobi earlier this year. A South C multi-storey project that exceeded its approved height collapsed, killing two people. Another collapse in Karen resulted in two deaths and several injuries. These incidents highlighted concerns about unauthorised design changes and weak enforcement of building regulations. The bill seeks to address these concerns by introducing stricter controls and penalties for non-compliance.
Former president of the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya, Nashon Okowa, cautioned that the bill should address long-term industry needs rather than focus solely on recent collapses. He emphasised the importance of considering the broader implications of the legislation on the construction industry. The bill now moves to parliament, where lawmakers will debate its provisions before deciding on enactment.
The cabinet's approval of the bill is a significant step towards enhancing accountability and professionalism in the construction sector. The legislation is expected to improve the quality of construction services and reduce the risk of building collapses. By introducing mandatory annual practising licences, the bill aims to ensure that construction professionals are qualified and competent to carry out their work.
The bill's provisions will be debated in parliament, where lawmakers will scrutinise its details and consider any proposed amendments. The legislation's success will depend on its effective implementation and enforcement. If enacted, the bill is expected to have a positive impact on the construction industry, enhancing the safety and quality of buildings.
The Kenyan government has taken a proactive approach to addressing the challenges in the construction sector. The cabinet's approval of the bill demonstrates its commitment to improving the industry's regulatory framework. Key stakeholders, including construction professionals and industry associations, will be watching closely as the bill progresses through parliament.
Key points
- The bill proposes fines of up to Sh2 million and imprisonment of up to two years for fraudulent registration.
- The legislation aims to introduce mandatory annual practising licences for construction professionals.
- The bill seeks to expand oversight to landscape architects, interior designers, and project managers.
