Architects, quantity surveyors protest membership fee hikes

By Newsflash Reporter

Kenya’s architecture and quantity surveying professionals are in revolt over a series of controversial decisions made by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS).

At the heart of the uproar are steep increases in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) fees, a lack of transparency, and a proposal that would allow non-degree holders to be registered as professionals.

In recent weeks, BORAQS announced that CPD seminar fees would rise from Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 30,000 — a 50% hike. The move has angered many in the profession, especially young and recently registered professionals who feel priced out of mandatory events needed to maintain their licenses.

“This is outrageous. How do you justify such an increase in this economy without even consulting us?” posed one aggrieved architect, part of a growing online community that has formed in response to the board’s actions.

A WhatsApp group created by disgruntled professionals has seen explosive growth, gaining over 1,200 members in just two days. The group now functions as a lobbying platform, amplifying calls for accountability, affordability, and fairness in professional governance.

Fueling further outrage is BORAQS’ recent proposal to drop the degree requirement for registration. According to the board, professionals with diplomas, 10 years of experience, and who are at least 35 years old could now qualify as architects or quantity surveyors. This has sparked widespread condemnation within the community.

“This is an abuse of the profession,” said one senior quantity surveyor. “It undermines the years of study, sacrifice, and investment we make to become qualified.”

Professionals demand accountability

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has responded to the backlash by acknowledging the frustration expressed by members. In a statement dated April 13, AAK President George Ndege said, “We understand the economic pressures many professionals are facing. We are committed to seeking affordable and fair CPD solutions for all.”

AAK outlined a multi-step plan to address the crisis, including comparative studies on CPD pricing, exploring more inclusive and lower-cost CPD models, and initiating formal petitions to BORAQS.

In a detailed letter dated April 14, concerned professionals laid out their grievances to BORAQS. “This adjustment appears to have been implemented without prior justification or adequate consultation,” the letter reads. “It undermines transparency, inclusion, and fair administrative practices.”

The letter, also sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, the Commission on Administrative Justice, and other government bodies, called for immediate reforms. Among the demands: audited financial reports for CPD events, transparent breakdowns of costs, affordable virtual attendance options, and a published annual CPD schedule.

“For years, CPD events have been held at the same luxury venue — Safari Park Hotel,” the professionals noted. “Why not rotate venues or provide virtual options at reduced costs?”

They also challenged the mandatory purchase of the “Scale of Fees” booklet, which is now required before new professionals receive their registration certificates. “This appears to lack legal basis and adds an unnecessary financial burden,” said another professional. “Why are we being forced to buy documents to get what we’ve already paid for?”

The letter also criticized what it termed punitive penalties. “The Kshs 10,000 reinstatement fee for late renewal is harsh and doesn’t seem to be grounded in the law,” it said. The group proposed automated license suspension and reactivation systems, as well as provisions for members to voluntarily pause their registration during periods of inactivity or travel.

AAK pledged to keep members updated and reiterated its commitment to fair representation. “We reaffirm our dedication to defend our members’ interests and foster a regulatory environment that supports professional growth,” Ndege stated.

The group has asked BORAQS to respond within seven days and called for an online town hall meeting to allow wider participation.

As pressure mounts, BORAQS is being urged to engage meaningfully with the professionals it regulates — or risk a deepening rift in the built environment sector.