Architectural Groups Lean Into Self-Policing to Mitigate Structural Risks

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 2 – The quest for structural integrity in Kenya’s construction landscape reached a new milestone as industry leaders gathered for the launch of the Built Integrity Initiative, a collaborative forum designed to address the systemic causes of building failures it brought together key industry players to tackle growing safety concerns.

The Lift Season Two, Episode One held at the Crown Paints Showroom in Parklands, Nairobi it focused on the theme “Self-Regulation vs Public Oversight: What Best Protects the Public in Architecture?” as professionals called for urgent reforms to address gaps in the sector.

The forum brought together presidents and representatives from key bodies, marking a significant moment of collaboration on public safety, accountability, and the future of regulation under the Architects Bill 2026.

The current situation comes amidst increasing building collapses across the country, a trend that has laid bare the catastrophic failures of existing inspection and compliance mechanisms.

Dr. Arch. Sylvia Kasanga, FCIArb- Senator at Parliament of Kenya while addressing the critical intersection of professional ethics and public safety underscored that the well-being of Kenyans must remain the primary benchmark for the built environment.

She contends that the era of relying on fragile, inconsistent systems must come to an end, reminding stakeholders that architects are fundamentally trained as guardians of public safety.

Her advocacy highlights a sobering reality: until the existing regulatory loopholes that permit substandard practices are closed, the integrity of Kenya’s infrastructure and the lives of those who inhabit it will remain unnecessarily at risk.

“Our concern has always been wheather the general public is secure under the current system, we must move towards professionally led systems that ensure accountability and protect live”, said Dr. Kasanga.

Additionally, Dr. Kasanga highlighted that the Architect Bill currently before Parliament a crucial step towards strengthening oversight and sealing existing gaps adding that the Alliance is collaborating with othe professional bodies to refine the proposed law and align it with industry realities.

The Architects Alliance said the forum was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and ensure public safety through professional-led systems noting that their work directly impacts public safety, stressing that gaps in regulation have allowed unsafe practices to persist.

Further, they raised an alarm over the increase and dominance of unqualified personnel in the sector, IQSK President Mutinda Mutuku said about 80% of construction projects are handled by unregistered individuals making it hard on accountability when disasters occur.

“Quacks countinue to dominate the space, yet they are not held accountability resulting to people loosing their lives in the construction process, Ongoing legislatives efforts aim to eliminate unlicensed practitioners while protecting both professionals and the public”, He added.

Charles Kanjama President, Law Society of Kenya, who was among the guests while speaking at the forum noted that outdated laws and weak enforcement remain a major setback in protecting the public.

Kanjama highlighted that many laws governing the built environment predate the 2010 Constitution and no longer reflect modern realities emphasizing the need to review and modernize the legal framework while giving professionals a greater role in regulating their industries.

“Professionals are best placed to regulate themselves because of their training, experience, and expertise. They can also help eliminate quacks who continue to endanger lives,” he said.

He added that poor collaboration among professionals has made it difficult to secure successful prosecutions in cases of building collapses, largely due to a lack of expert evidence.

The proposed Architects Bill seeks to address these challenges by enhancing professional oversight and accountability.

Architects Alliance also highlighted the importance of collaboration among professional bodies, including lawyers, engineers and quantity surveyors, to create a safer built environment.

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya raised concern over delays in appointing members of the Engineers Board of Kenya, saying the lapse has denied young engineers registration and job opportunities since August 2025.

They argued that such delays show the limitations of state-led oversight and strengthen the case for self-regulation, At the same time, quantity surveyors warned that unqualified practitioners dominate the sector, putting lives at risk.

Further, They stressed that ongoing legislative efforts aim to weed out quacks while protecting both professionals and the public.

Stakeholders despite differing views, agreed that both self-regulation and government oversight must work together to ensure safety, quality, and accountability.

The Lift forum, a flagship platform by The Architects Alliance, continues to provide a space for dialogue on critical issues shaping Kenya’s construction and urban development landscape.