It’s been 30 years since Quantity Surveyors in Kenya created a body to promote and safeguard their profession. In this article, we look at the beginnings of Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK), its growth and impact on the construction industry.
OVERVIEW OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS OF KENYA (IQSK)
The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) holds a paramount position in the Kenyan construction industry. Established in the year 1994, the institute is celebrating the 30th anniversary this year 2024.
IQSK has been consistently promoting and safeguarding the interests of the Kenyan Quantity Surveyors. Quantity Surveyors are professionals dealing with budgeting (planning) and controlling construction costs and construction contract administration. The institute brings together Quantity Surveyors with the primary objective of promoting the advancement of the professional practice. Over the years, IQSK has evolved to become the cornerstone of professionalism, excellence, ethical standards in the field of Quantity Surveying. IQSK stands as the primary body representing Quantity Surveyors in Kenya, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and continuous professional development, within the profession. Its significance lies not only as a professional body, but also as a catalyst for innovation and advancement in the built environment.
The vision of IQSK at inception was to create an organization that would raise the standards of Quantity Surveying practice in Kenya and promote professional excellence. As IQSK celebrates the 30th anniversary, it is a momentous occasion to reflect on its journey from the biblical Egypt of uncertainty to the Canaan of a legacy of impact and influence in the construction industry.
THE HISTORY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF IQSK
The journey of IQSK started in 1993 with a vision of a handful of Quantity Surveyors, who recognized the need of a Professional Association to regulate and promote the practice of Quantity Surveying in Kenya against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving construction industry characterized by increasing complexity and demand for specialized experience. Over the past three decades, IQSK has evolved from a nascent organization into a dynamic and influential institution shaping the trajectory of Quantity Surveying in Kenya and Africa.
Before the formation of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya, Quantity Surveyors were only operating under the wings of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK). AAK brought together Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers and Planners who were the professionals in the Built Environment.
With the passage of time, the Quantity Surveyors realised that the association had expanded so much that it was inadequately dealing with all the issues affecting the various disciplines moreover those of the Quantity Surveying profession. Consequently, due to this factor, members of the Quantity Surveying Profession established the need to have their own institute that would sufficiently deal with the following key items:
a. The Identity of the profession
b. The Autonomy of the profession
c. The Conformity of the profession
On the identity, Quantity Surveyors felt the need to have their own distinct identity, an association that was to be branded in their own professional name. They were of the view that Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) by its very name was misrepresenting its membership profile. The name “Architectural” gave an impression that AAK was only for Architects propelling the need for Quantity Surveyors to have a new, distinctive and accommodative name.
The second driver was autonomy. Quantity Surveyors desired to have independence and freedom of self-governance. It is through self-governance that the professional members could independently deal better with their own interests and needs.
Thirdly, it was observed world over that the Architects and Quantity Surveyors have different professional bodies and associations except for Kenya. Hence, the founder members felt the need to emulate and conform to other parts of the globe. Having more than one professional under one umbrella body, however much as this was admirable had its own shortcomings.
It is imperative to emphasize that the founder members acknowledged that the idea of forming IQSK was not meant to wreck AAK as some would have perceived, but rather to be a complimentary body that would support its own matters pertaining the Quantity Surveying Profession. Particularly, it was also noted the name of the former (AAK) tends to market the Architect more than the Quantity Surveyors.
Consequently, these unique concerns gave birth to the idea of forming the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya. The idea was first voted at a Quantity Surveyors social meeting held at Parklands Sports Club in Westlands, Nairobi in October 1993.The Meeting at that time was attended by not less than 30 members of the Quantity Surveying fraternity, an impressive number at the time. The Quantity Surveyors consequently held meetings to brainstorm about the formation of an Institute, interestingly, members volunteered to sponsor goats at each of this meetings, allegorically to the Napoleonic ‘an army marches on its stomach’. During the last goat-eating meeting of that year, five committee members were nominated to look at the possibility and formalities involved in establishing an Institute. Money needed for the expenses in drafting a constitution, registration and hosting of the social meeting was donated on that day.
FIRST COUNCIL MEMBERS IN 1993
The following members were nominated as interim members of the council at that time:
I. The Interim chairman-QS. Francis M. Githaiga
II. Interim Secretary-Qs. John Njagi
III. Interim Treasurer – Qs. Hezron Maira.
The committee met on various dates over a period of four months, and drafted proposal to be incorporated into the constitution and by-laws. The officers received written proposals from members on the drafts of the constitution. The final draft of the constitution and by-laws was approved by the founder members during a goat eating party held on the 11th of March 1994.
Members of the Quantity Surveying Profession were then invited. The thirty members present mandated the committee to register the institute and then call for an Inaugural meeting to form and launch the Institute. The Inaugural meeting was held on the 20th of July 1994 in the Council Chamber, Professional Centre, Nairobi. The interim officers stayed in office until the first general meeting was held on May 19th 1995. During the first general meeting, the following were elected as officials:
I. The chairman – Qs. Bramwell Kimokoti
II. Vice Chairman was uncontested at that time,
III. The secretary – Qs. M. M. Ndegwa
IV. The treasurer – Qs. Hezron Maira
V. The registrar was – Qs. Sylvester Masu
Council Members were:
I. Qs. Francis M. Githaiga – (the late)
II. Qs. Kioko Mutinda
III. Qs. Njagi
The meeting was attended by 36 members, who were then the founding members of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya. Since 19th May 1995 when the first general meeting was held, the intervening period, it’s safe to say the rest is in the annals of history.
MILESTONES ACHIEVED BY THE INSTITUTE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS (IQSK)
Along this journey IQSK has achieved, numerous milestones and led significant contributions in the community of Quantity Surveyors from establishing professional standards and guidelines to providing trainings and certification programs. IQSK has been at the forefront of advancing the field, initiating structures such as symposiums, annual summits, Building Information Modelling (BIM) trainings, career talks in TVETS and high schools. All these have empowered Quantity Surveyors to excel in their roles, spearheading efficiency, innovation and sustainability in the built environment. Furthermore, IQSK has actively engaged stakeholders across the industry and continued advocating for policies that promote professionalism, transparency and accountability.
REGISTRATION AND RECOGNITION OF IQSK
The 24th June of 1994 will go down in history for IQSK as a major milestone, as that was the day the prestigious institute was registered to be a legal, bona fide recognized professional body.
The first Annual General Meeting was held on 19th May 1995 and was attended by 36 members. On the 21st on July 1995, the institute celebrated its first anniversary, an event that was graced by the then Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Professor Francis Gichaga.
COLLABORATION AND LINKAGES WITH OTHER INSTITUTES
A number of events followed in 1996. The institute started forming initiatives and collaborations with other organizations. As Qs. Bramwell the first president recalls in August 1995, the institute held an event in Zimbabwe, the founder members saw it necessary to attend the event as it was quite important to form linkages with other Quantity Surveyors from other countries. Key attendees were; Qs. Wilfred Ngaruiya, Qs. Francis Githaiga (the late), and Qs. Bramwell Kimokoti. The first IQSK council then mooted the idea of the formation of the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS).
In April 1996 there was a conference in South Africa, the institute was represented by the Late Qs. F. O. Guya – the then Chief Quantity Surveyor – Ministry of Public Works, Qs F.M Githaiga, QS. Njuguna and Qs. Bramwell, the then chairman. QS. Bramwell delivered a paper entitled ‘Professional and Education Aspects’. He chivalrously recounts how academically decorated the speakers of that conference were, with esteemed titles such as Doctor and Professor and there he was as Qs. Bramwell. He proceeded to humorously inform the gathering that as much as they were academicians, the one thing he was unrivaled was preparing fee notes, which, he said, he was very good at.
The institute went on to form linkages with Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, South African Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania. Soon after that The Institute of Quantity Surveyors sort affiliations with even other overseas professional bodies.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERMANENT OFFICE
Initially, The Institute had meetings in QS. F. M. Githaiga`s office and after that Quants consult (a Quantity Surveying firm) offered IQSK some space in their offices where the institute was able to operate from until they moved to the current Blue Violet Plaza where they mobilized its members and bought the office. For a duration of almost 10 years, no rent was paid. The initiative was a truly collaborative aided by dedicated members, stakeholders and well-wishers led by former IQSK president Qs. David Gaitho that led to occupation of the new office in late 2014.
ALIGNING THE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE TITLE
The Institute lobbied for the change of name of the Bachelor’s degree in Building Economics to the Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, a title that resonates well with the practice. The name change was effected in the University of Nairobi – then the only university offering the course – in the year 2007.
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
In recent times, IQSK has made significant strides since its inception, continuously enhancing the profession of Quantity Surveying within Kenya. The membership class is: Fellows, Corporate, Graduate, Licentiate, Technician and Student.
- Growth in Membership
IQSK has experienced consistent growth in its membership base, from the initial 36 members in the year 1995. As reported in 2023, the membership grew by 8%, rising from 2,021 members in 2022 to 2,185 members in 2023. This increase includes a significant number of student members, demonstrating the institute’s appeal to upcoming professionals in the field. The institute had 2,510 members at the time of compiling this report in June 2024. - Professional Development and Training
IQSK places a strong emphasis on professional development through various training and capacity-building initiatives. Key events include:
Annual Summit and Gala Dinner: For example, the 2022 event themed “Resilience in a Dynamic Environment” featured prominent international speakers and was attended by international delegates from multiple countries.
International CPDs and Industrial tours: Members participated in various CPD events and industrial tours, including visits to organizations like Crown Paints Ltd and Mabati Rolling Mills.
Contractor’s Empowerment Program (CEP): This program, focusing on managing contracts and claims for construction projects, has been held in various locations including Nakuru and Nairobi, accredited by the National Construction Authority (NCA). - Advancements in Digital Transformation
IQSK has been proactive in promoting digital transformation within the built environment. The 2023 Symposium for example, themed “Digital Transformation in The Built Environment,” was a notable event that underscored the institute’s commitment to integrating digital technologies in the industry. This event also saw the launch of the IQSK Joint Cost Handbook, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Public Works and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. - Publication and Research
The institute has been diligent in producing high-quality publications that serve as references in the construction industry. The quarterly “The Quantity Surveyor” journal is widely regarded as an authoritative source on construction practices and rates. Additionally, the joint Cost Handbook with the Ministry of Public Works is a significant contribution, providing harmonized and authoritative cost data for the industry. Previously the institute produced the cost handbook annually. - Support for Senior Members
In recognition of the contributions of senior members, IQSK has implemented a waiver of subscription fees for members above 65 years of age, provided they have been in good standing for the preceding 10 years. This initiative reflects the institute’s appreciation for the dedication and service of its senior members. - Young Quantity Surveyors’ Forum (YQSF)
The YQSF Africa Region, launched in May 2022, aims to foster collaboration and professional growth among young quantity surveyors across Africa. Efforts are underway to create awareness and build partnerships with similar forums in countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, and Tanzania. The YQSF hosts a significant event, the YQSF Conference which is planned for November 2024 in Nairobi.
The YQSF boasts to have filled to capacity The Chandaria Centre of performing Arts during the YQSF conference of 2023. The YQSF has a well-established structure with Qs. Cynthia Mulaku as the President and Qs. David Choka as the Patron. YQSF has continuously organized career talks focusing on the general roles and competencies of a Quantity Surveyor, use of Artificial Intelligence in construction and enlightening young professionals on how to package themselves for the job market. The recent career talk was held at Thika Technical Training Institute on 26th June 2024, attended by more than 50 Quantity Surveying students.
- Contribution to Arbitration
IQSK has developed guidelines to streamline the appointment process of arbitrators and is actively seeking to become the appointing authority for arbitrators. This initiative is part of IQSK’s broader efforts to enhance alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within the construction industry. The IQSK maintains a panel of Arbitrators appointed within the membership of IQSK. Their services include arbitration in disputes between members of the society, disputes between members of the society and their clients and any disputes involving matters related to Quantity Surveying that may involve members of the public who are not part of IQSK. - Internship and Industrial Placement
The Institute has been proactive in offering internships and industrial placements to students, despite challenges in finding sufficient opportunities due to the increasing number of students from universities and TVETs. This initiative supports the practical training and professional development of future Quantity Surveyors. IQSK is an equal opportunity employer and is constantly on the lookout for talented persons who have an interest in furthering the aims of the society. - The Benevolent fund
The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya Benevolent Fund is a welfare initiative aimed at supporting members of the institute in times of need. This fund provides financial assistance to members and their families during difficult circumstances such as illness, bereavement, or other emergencies.
The benevolent fund demonstrates the institute’s commitment to the well-being of its members, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among quantity surveyors in Kenya. The upcoming Charity Golf Tournament the 2nd of August 2024 will benefit the IQSK endowment fund this year, proceedings from the golf tournament will directly support underprivileged Quantity Surveying students with their educational fees.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Projects
IQSK has undertaken several CSR projects aimed at giving back to the community and fostering a spirit of social responsibility among its members. Key CSR initiatives include educational support. IQSK has been involved
in supporting educational institutions through donations such as the building of a classroom and donations of desks at Joytown Primary school in Kenya and participation in mentorship programs for students pursuing courses in Quantity Surveying such as the recent visit to Pangani Girls and Starehe Boys High School.
- Environmental Conservation
IQSK members have actively participated in environmental conservation activities, such as tree planting recently done at Langata women`s prison and clean-up exercises, aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the community.
The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya has demonstrated commendable progress and commitment to advancing the profession of Quantity Surveying in Kenya. Through its initiatives in professional development, digital transformation, publications, support for senior members, fostering young professionals, and engaging in CSR projects, IQSK continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the construction industry.
Under the visionary leadership of the current President Qs. Mutinda Mutuku and his predecessors, there is an unwavering commitment to excellence. The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) has transformed into a powerhouse of innovation and professional development, setting new benchmarks in the construction industry and solidifying its role as a pivotal driver of sustainable growth and industry standards in Kenya.
The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) surges robustly forward towards its true North, steadfastly promoting the advancement of Quantity Surveying Profession and comradery, solidarity and collaboration that transcends the confines of gainful work.
Report by: QS. ISAIAH GATHIEKI (Q1109/MIQSK 1402)
Assisted by: WINFRED MURUGI (IQSK STUDENT MEMBER)
Special Acknowledgement: QS. BRAMWEL KIMOKOTI, Historical Perspective
Edited by: QS JASAN NJOROGE
