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A new Bill aimed at strengthening oversight of the architectural profession and standardising the training and licensing of practitioners has been tabled in the National Assembly.
The Architects Bill, 2026, sponsored by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, proposes the establishment of new bodies to supervise professional standards, training and registration of architects and architectural technicians in Kenya.
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Under the proposed law, an Institute of Architects would be created with its headquarters in Nairobi to set, publish and monitor professional standards in architectural practice across the country.
The Bill also seeks to establish an Architects Examination Board of Kenya, which would oversee professional examinations and determine the syllabus for training architects.
In addition, the legislation proposes the formation of an Architects Registration Committee tasked with processing applications, registering architects and architectural technicians, and issuing practising certificates.
According to the memorandum of objects and reasons attached to the Bill, the proposed law is intended to introduce greater structure and accountability within the profession.
“The object of this Bill is to provide for the training, registration and licensing of architects and architectural technicians, as well as the regulation of architectural practice,” the memorandum states.
It further notes that the legislation outlines provisions for establishing the Institute of Architects, its governing council, its powers and functions, as well as the creation of the Examination Board and its responsibilities.
If passed, the law will require individuals to meet specific qualifications before being registered as architects in Kenya.
To qualify, a person must be a graduate architect, obtain the required practical experience as prescribed by law, pass a professional assessment examination administered by the Architects Examination Board and become a full member of the Institute.
Architectural technicians will also be required to hold a diploma in Architecture or Architectural Technology, complete the necessary practical experience and pass the professional assessment examination.
The Bill further proposes that no individual will be allowed to practise as an architect or architectural technician without a valid practising certificate issued under the Act.
Practising certificates would be issued annually and remain valid from January 1 to December 31, with applications accompanied by a prescribed fee not exceeding Sh10,000.
The legislation also outlines disciplinary procedures, financial provisions and penalties for offences related to professional misconduct.
If approved by Parliament, the proposed law is expected to strengthen regulation of the architecture sector and help uphold professional standards in the design and construction industry.
The Bill comes amid ongoing concerns about building safety following several building collapses in Nairobi that engineers have partly blamed on poor construction practices and weak regulatory enforcement.
In January 2026, a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in the South C area of Nairobi, prompting investigations and renewed debate over oversight in the construction sector.
In 2025, another residential building collapsed in Kahawa West, raising concerns about construction standards.
