Architects push for sweeping reforms in new law amid safety concerns

The President of The Architects Alliance (TAA) in Kenya Sen. Dr Arch. Sylvia M. Kasanga at the meeting.

Architects, lawmakers and regulators met in Nairobi on Tuesday to review the proposed Architects Bill, 2026, with debates centring on professional regulation, public safety and the future role of architects in Kenya’s construction industry.

The public participation forum, convened by The Architects Alliance (TAA), brought together stakeholders from across the built environment sector to discuss and refine the Bill currently before Parliament.

The Bill’s sponsor, Tongaren MP Hon. Wanami Wamboka, said reforms were urgently needed to address long-standing weaknesses in the profession, including building failures, fragmented regulation and the declining influence of architects in major projects.

While noting that he is not an architect, Wamboka said his experience as a legislator and developer had shown him the critical role architects play in project delivery and public safety.

He argued that many of the sector’s problems are structural and linked to the diminished role of architects in decision-making.

“This forum is not about positions. It is about solutions… We are here to refine and strengthen the Bill,” Wamboka said.

The President of The Architects Alliance,  Arch. Hon Sylvia Kasanga, described architectural practice in Kenya as increasingly difficult, saying professionals often carry heavy responsibility without adequate authority or protection.

“Practicing architecture in Kenya is not for the faint-hearted. It is defined by responsibility without commensurate authority, expectation without protection, visibility when things go wrong, and invisibility when things go right,” she said.

She added that the imbalance had weakened public trust and undermined safety standards in the built environment.

According to TAA, the proposed law is the result of several years of consultations involving architects, mentees, government agencies and professional bodies.

The Architects Bill, 2026 seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the training, registration, licensing and regulation of architects and architectural technicians in Kenya.

Key proposals include the creation of a statutory Institute of Architects to oversee the profession, stronger registration and licensing requirements, mandatory practising certification, and formal disciplinary and professional conduct systems.

The Bill also proposes governance structures to oversee education standards and professional development.

Stakeholder discussions during the forum revealed mixed views on the proposed reforms.

Issues raised included the purpose and value of the Bill, possible overlaps with other professions, inclusion of technicians and licentiates, professional fees, market regulation and concerns over balancing self-regulation with public oversight.

Participants also called for stronger emphasis on public safety and accountability.

TAA said the forum was intended as a working session to help stakeholders identify areas of agreement and propose amendments before the Bill proceeds further in Parliament.