The Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
Pending
Final
Pending
New Board to Regulate Built Environment Professionals
Establishes the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Board under Section 4 to oversee registration, training, and licensing for architects, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, interior designers, and construction project managers.
Strict Qualifications for Registration
Under Section 22, applicants for registration must be at least 21 years old, hold a degree in their respective discipline from a recognized university, pass a Board-prescribed examination, and complete at least two years of practical experience.
Fines of Up to KSh 3 Million for Unlicensed Practice
Section 31 prohibits engaging in private practice without a valid practicing licence. Contravention of this licensing requirement carries a fine not exceeding KSh 3 million, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Establishment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee
Section 51 directs the Board to establish an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to inquire into cases of professional misconduct, negligence, and non-compliance with professional standards.
Bill No.
Bill No. 47 of 2026
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 184 of 2026
Sponsor
Joseph K. Tonui
Background
The Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026 seeks to repeal and replace the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Cap. 525), which was enacted in 1934. The Bill aims to align professional regulation with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol, and modern industry practices. It expands regulation to cover emerging professions in the built environment, including landscape architects, interior designers, construction project managers, and their technicians.
Key Amendments
- Repeal of Cap. 525: Formally repeals the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Section 57).
- Board Establishment: Establishes the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Board as a body corporate to control, supervise, and regulate the training and practice of professionals (Section 4).
- Unified Board Composition: The Board will consist of a chairperson, the Chief Architect, the Chief Quantity Surveyor, eight members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary (representing various disciplines), and the Chief Executive Officer as an ex-officio member (Section 7).
New Obligations
- Mandatory Registration and Enrolment: Professionals must register under Section 22 (for practitioners) or enrol under Section 23 (for technicians) to use professional titles or offer services.
- Practicing Licences: Under Section 31, all practitioners must hold a valid practicing licence. Licences are valid from the date of issue and expire on the 30th of June each year (Section 34).
- Continuous Professional Education: Practitioners must comply with Board-prescribed requirements for continuous professional education to renew their licences (Section 32).
- Firms Registration: Architectural, quantity surveying, landscape architecture, interior design, and construction project management firms must register with the Board (Section 26).
Penalties
- Unlicensed Practice: Engaging in private practice without a valid licence under Section 31 carries a fine of up to KSh 3 million, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Practicing without a licence under Section 47 carries a fine of up to KSh 2 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
- False Registration: Procuring false registration or licensing through fraudulent means is punishable by a fine not exceeding KSh 2 million, imprisonment for up to two years, or both (Section 42).
- General Penalty: Any offence under the Act for which no specific penalty is provided carries a fine not exceeding KSh 500,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both (Section 50).
- Obstruction of Officers: Obstructing or making false statements to an authorized inspection officer is an offence (Section 48).
Transitional Provisions
- Transfer of Assets and Liabilities: All funds, assets, rights, and liabilities of the former Board are transferred to the newly established Board (Section 58).
- Continuity of Service: Members, executive officers, and staff of the former Board shall continue to serve for their unexpired terms under the new Board (Section 58(2)(c)).
- Existing Registrations: Any person registered under the repealed Act is deemed to be registered under the new Act for their unexpired term (Section 58(2)(c)(iv)).
Gazettement
The Bill was published in the Kenya Gazette No. 184 on 22 July 2026.
First Reading
The Bill, sponsored by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, was read a First Time in the National Assembly on 5 August 2026.
First Reading
The Bill, sponsored by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, was read a First Time in the National Assembly on 5 August 2026.