Architect Firm Registration Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts

Executive Summary

• All architectural firms operating in Kenya must be registered with BORAQS
• Firm must be legally registered in Kenya (sole proprietor, partnership, or limited company)
• At least one principal must be a registered architect in good standing with BORAQS
• Firm name must comply with professional dignity requirements
• Annual firm license renewal required
• Firms can only undertake work for which they have appropriately qualified registered professionals
• BORAQS located at Transcom House Annex, Ngong Road, Nairobi
• Contact: +254 20 2728 444, +254 726 243 005, +254 780 496 588
• Registration ensures public protection and professional accountability

The Regulatory Framework

The Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors regulates architectural firms to ensure professional standards, protect public interests, and maintain the dignity of the profession. All firms offering architectural services in Kenya must be registered with BORAQS.

Firm Registration Requirements

Business Registration

The firm must be a legally registered entity in Kenya under applicable laws:

• Sole Proprietorship: Owned by one registered architect (BN3 required)
• Partnership: Owned by multiple persons with at least one registered architect (Partnership Deed required)
• Limited Company: Incorporated under Companies Act (Certificate of Incorporation + CR12 required)

Professional Requirements

• At least one principal/director must be a registered architect with BORAQS
• All architectural work must be supervised by registered architects
• Principals must hold current annual practice licenses
• Firm must maintain professional indemnity insurance

Firm Name Requirements

The firm name shall be consistent with the dignity of the profession and shall not be misleading. The use of generic names is discouraged. The firm name must not include any name other than:

• Names of current partners
• Names of former partners
• Names of existing or former partners of a firm with which a member becomes associated
• Abbreviations of the names of existing or former partners

Documentation Requirements

1. Business registration documents (BN3, Partnership Deed, or Incorporation Certificate)
2. CR12 form (for limited companies)
3. Registration certificates of all architect principals
4. Current practice licenses of principals
5. Professional indemnity insurance certificate
6. Office address and contact details
7. List of all professional staff

Application Process

1. Ensure business is legally registered in Kenya
2. Verify all principals hold current BORAQS registration and licenses
3. Complete firm registration application form
4. Attach all required documents
5. Pay prescribed registration fees
6. Submit application to BORAQS
7. Await Board review and approval
8. Receive firm registration certificate

Annual License Renewal

Architectural firms must renew their licenses annually. Renewal requirements include:

• Current business registration
• Valid practice licenses for all architect principals
• Updated list of professional staff
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance
• Payment of annual fees

Professional Conduct

Registered architectural firms must:

• Maintain professional standards in all work
• Ensure adequate supervision of projects
• Comply with building regulations and codes
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Provide competent professional services
• Adhere to fee guidelines and ethical standards

Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors Contact Information

Physical Address:
BORAQS
Transcom House Annex
Ngong Road
Nairobi, Kenya

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 40866-00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Contact Details:
Phone: +254 20 2728 444
Mobile: +254 726 243 005, +254 780 496 588
Email: info@boraqs.or.ke
Website: www.boraqs.or.ke