Built Environment Professionals Reject Proposed Regulatory Bill
By Faith wanza mueni
NAIROBI, — Built environment professional associations have rejected the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, calling for its withdrawal in its current form and the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework that recognises the distinct roles of each profession.
The Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK), Association of Construction Managers of Kenya and Architects Alliance said the proposed legislation seeks to place architects, quantity surveyors, interior designers, landscape architects, construction project managers and technicians under one regulatory board despite the professions having different areas of expertise, training and responsibilities.
Speaking in Nairobi on Monday, IDAK President Dr George Oshinkwa Nkarani said interior design should not be treated merely as decoration, arguing that the profession plays a critical role in determining the functionality, safety, health and welfare of people within built spaces.
“When I say interior design, I think most people think this is one of the professions that is very misunderstood, not just in Kenya, but in Africa and the world over. Because most times when you say interior design, everybody thinks decoration,” said Dr Nkarani.
He said interior design involves a professional process that supports how people live and work in different spaces, adding that the profession therefore requires its own regulatory structure.
“All of us spend our entire day in interior spaces, whether you call it a workplace, your house, you've gone for your own leisure, wherever you go, we are in interior space, meaning your health is an important aspect when it comes to interiors, your safety is an important aspect,” he said.
Dr Nkarani said the association was opposed to proposals that would place interior designers under a regulatory framework dominated by other professions, arguing that each profession should have meaningful representation and professional-specific regulation.
“We cannot allow one individual, you say that you've taken one interior designer in a board, representing so many interior designers in Kenya. One person cannot do anything,” he said.
He called for the establishment of profession-specific boards operating within an overarching framework capable of coordinating the built environment sector.
Dr Nkarani also dismissed claims that interior design lacks university-level training in Kenya, saying he had undertaken undergraduate, master's and doctoral studies in the field at Kenyan universities.
He said the association was concerned that the Bill could undermine the growth of emerging professionals by failing to create regulatory structures that adequately respond to the needs of young architects, engineers, surveyors, construction managers and interior designers.
Former President of the Association of African-Americans of Kenya and council member Nashon Mokor supported the call for a review of the proposed legislation, saying the country needs laws capable of guiding the construction and research sectors for decades rather than addressing short-term interests.
“This is not a bill for the next 20. The construction and research sector requires a bill for the next 20 years. We must have legislations that history has not paralleled,” said Mokor.
He linked weaknesses in the existing regulatory framework to delays and cost overruns in public projects, saying Kenya should draw lessons from other jurisdictions where built environment professions are regulated separately.
Mokor cited South Africa, where, according to him, different built environment professions have independent legislation designed to address their unique professional requirements.
“We looked at lawyers' regulations. We looked at the accountants, we looked at the doctors. And if you look at those professions, how they're regulated and compared with the built environment, you will find the problem there,” he said.
He further raised concern over the growing involvement of foreign contractors and professionals in local projects, saying Kenyan professionals risk losing opportunities if the sector does not develop effective regulatory mechanisms.
“Professionals in the sector are losing a lot of jobs to foreigners. We complain as much. Nearly 85 per cent of our contracts and projects in this country are with foreign contractors and foreign professionals,” Mokor said.
The associations also criticised the proposal to regulate several professions through a single board, saying it could create professional conflicts, duplication and uncertainty over licensing, fees, education standards, examinations, scope of practice and disciplinary procedures.
They urged Parliament to suspend consideration of the Bill and review previous research and policy proposals on regulation of built environment professions, including work associated with the Coalition of Built Environment Professionals and Professor Alfred Omenya.
The associations further called for an inclusive national stakeholder process to establish clear professional scopes and responsibilities and develop a comprehensive Built Environment Professions framework.
They also demanded the resignation of the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, Hon. Joseph K. Tanui, who is also the sponsor of the Bill, citing what they termed a conflict of interest.
“This is not a fight between professions. It is about getting regulation right. Kenya needs coordinated regulation, professional autonomy, clear accountability and public protection, not professional hierarchy,” the associations said.
They urged the National Assembly to reject the Bill in its present form and initiate comprehensive reforms that would strengthen professional accountability while safeguarding public interest and supporting the growth of Kenya's built environment sector.
Comments
Post a Comment