An architectural firm operating in Kenya — whether as a partnership, company, or sole practitioner entity — must obtain a Firm Registration Certificate and an annual practising certificate from the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS). This is a requirement under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act and the BORAQS Code of Conduct (updated 2024). Every registered firm must renew its practising certificate annually and ensure that a registered architect holds at least 51% of shares if the firm has unregistered partners.
Architectural Firm Registration Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firm registration application (Form B3) | Confirm with BORAQS | One-off on initial registration |
| Annual practising certificate (firm) | Confirm with BORAQS | Renewed each year |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Required | All registered firms must hold this |
BORAQS does not publicly list individual fee amounts on its website; fees are communicated to applicants directly. Confirm current amounts with BORAQS.
Key Requirements
Firm registration requires submission of BORAQS Form B3, proof of incorporation, details of all directors/partners and their BORAQS registration numbers, evidence that at least one principal shareholder is a registered consulting architect with power of attorney, and proof of professional indemnity insurance. Firms must register all project engagements with BORAQS as required by the Code of Conduct.
