Architect's License Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts
Executive Summary
- All architects practicing in Kenya must be registered with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS)
- Registration is governed by Cap 525 Laws of Kenya established in 1934
- Requirements include prescribed examination or corporate membership of approved professional institution, minimum 1 year professional experience in Kenya, and payment of registration fees
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Professional examinations administered by BORAQS for candidates
- Annual practice license renewal required
- Over 1,800 architects registered with BORAQS to date
- BORAQS is located at Transcom House Annex, Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2728 444, +254 726 243 005, +254 780 496 588
- Online services available through BORAQS website
The Regulatory Framework
The Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors was established in 1934 under Section 4 of Cap 525 Laws of Kenya. The Board's mandate is to regulate the professions of Architecture and Quantity Surveying through training, registration, and enhancement of ethical practice.
No person shall practice as an architect in Kenya without being registered with BORAQS. The registration ensures public protection by verifying that practitioners have adequate training, knowledge, and professional competence.
About BORAQS
The Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya regulates the professions of Architecture and Quantity Surveying through training, registration, and enhancement of ethical practices. To date, the Board has registered more than 1,800 Architects and 1,000 Quantity Surveyors.
Functions of the Board
- Regulate architecture and quantity surveying professions
- Conduct professional examinations
- Maintain register of architects
- Issue annual practice licenses
- Accredit training programs
- Enforce professional standards and ethics
- Conduct disciplinary proceedings
- Advise government on matters relating to architecture
License Requirements for Architects
Age Requirement
No person shall be registered as an architect unless they have attained the age of twenty-one years.
Educational and Professional Qualification
Applicants must either:
(a) Have passed a prescribed examination administered by BORAQS; OR
(b) Have been admitted as a corporate member of an approved professional institution whose qualifications for such admission include the equivalent of such prescribed examination
Experience Requirement
Candidates must have had a minimum of one year of professional experience in Kenya to the satisfaction of the Board, or have satisfied the Board that they have otherwise acquired an adequate knowledge of Kenya building contract procedures and local practice.
Registration Fee
Applicants must pay the prescribed registration fee as determined by the Board.
Professional Examinations
BORAQS administers professional examinations for architects to assess competency and knowledge of:
- Architectural design principles
- Building construction and materials
- Structural systems and building services
- Kenya building regulations and standards
- Professional practice and ethics
- Contract administration
- Building contract procedures in Kenya
- Local building technologies and practices
Examination schedules and requirements are published annually on the BORAQS website.
Training Requirements
Candidates must undergo practical training to acquaint themselves with architectural practice in Kenya. Training covers:
- Design and documentation
- Site supervision
- Contract administration
- Professional ethics
- Kenya building codes and regulations
- Local building materials and construction methods
Both the candidate and the trainer must be architects or quantity surveyors in good standing with the Board.
Annual Practice License
Registered architects must obtain annual practice licenses to practice legally. The list of architects in good standing is published on the Board's website at www.boraqs.or.ke/members. Any person not listed on the website is NOT allowed by law to practice Architecture.
Removal from Register
The Board may direct that the name of a registered person be removed from the register where such registered person has:
(a) Failed within six months from the date of an inquiry sent by registered letter to notify the Registrar of their current address (b) Engaged in professional misconduct (c) Failed to pay required fees (d) Violated professional standards or ethics
Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors Contact Information
Physical Address:
Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (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
