A section of architects is pushing for new legislation to govern the profession of Architecture in Kenya. Under the umbrella of The Architects Alliance (TAA), the professionals want architects to chart their own path away from the current situation where CAP 525 governs both Architects and Quantity Surveyors.
The Architects Bill also seeks to establish the Institute of Architects, which among other mandate, will establish, monitor and publish the standards of professional competence and practice amongst architects; register persons who meet the required professional and ethics standards, and hold examinations and prescribe tests of competency deemed appropriate to qualify for membership and certification. Currently, it is the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) that is mandated to perform these tasks.
It is not clear how the proposed Act will impact the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), which is presently the umbrella organization for professionals in the construction industry. In an interview last year, one of the founders of TAA, Arch. Sylvia Kasanga, denied that the new alliance intended to rival the AAK.
“We have observed with dismay the deterioration of our physical and built environment and we are of the opinion that the way to fix this is to involve every citizen in appreciating the value that good physical environments bring and the importance of preserving the heritage handed down to us so that we can pass it on to the future generations,” said Ms Kasanga at the time.
The TAA was initially targeting architects who have practiced for at least 20 years but now says it is open to all architects.
Read the entire draft bill https://levitdigi.co.ke/archbill2023/?page=29
