Lawmakers are considering a Bill that seeks to clamp down on individuals who falsely claim to be architects or practise without proper certification.
The Architects Bill, 2026, brought forward by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, recommends fines of up to Sh5 million or jail terms of three years for offenders, while also tightening rules on registration, licensing, and professional oversight.
The proposed law makes it clear that anyone using the title of a registered architect without proper qualifications “commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Sh5 million, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.”
Those who make fraudulent entries or misrepresent information in any official record may face a Sh1 million fine or up to two years in jail, or both. For offences not specifically covered, the Bill allows a maximum fine of Sh1 million or up to one year imprisonment, or both.
Beyond sanctions, the Bill seeks to amend the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act, Cap 525, replacing the current Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors with a new Architects Council.
It also introduces an Institute of Architects, its Council, and an Examination Board, to regulate training, registration, licensing, and professional practice. The Institute will manage exams, ensure competence, promote research, and run continuous professional development programmes.
According to Wamboka, the scope of architectural practice under the Bill includes designing buildings, preparing construction plans, inspecting works, and providing urban and landscape planning services.
Only individuals holding a valid practising certificate issued by the Registration Committee will be legally allowed to practice.
Membership of the Institute will include professional members such as registered architects and technicians, Fellows recognised for exceptional service, affiliate members in the built environment, and corporate members like institutions and companies.
The Bill allows the Council to award the title of Senior Architect to members with outstanding service or invite distinguished professionals as Honorary Fellows.
It also gives the Council powers to manage Institute resources, approve budgets, and appoint key officers, including an Executive Director. The Architects Examinations Board will oversee professional exams, regulate curricula, coordinate with universities and colleges, issue certificates, investigate student indiscipline, and promote recognition of qualifications at home and abroad.
Eligibility for registration requires meeting academic, professional, and practical experience standards. People disqualified include those with fraud convictions, bankruptcy, unsound mind, professional misconduct, or failure to meet constitutional requirements.
Architectural firms can register only if at least one partner or director is a registered architect with a valid practising certificate.
The Bill sets up a Professional Conduct Committee to handle misconduct cases. The committee may suspend members, revoke practising certificates, impose fines, or remove names from the register, with members allowed to appeal decisions to the Council or the High Court.
On finances, Wamboka noted that the Institute will be funded through fees, grants, donations, and other lawful sources. “It must maintain proper accounts and submit annual financial statements for audit,” the Bill states.
He emphasised that the legislation gives the Council regulatory powers without limiting fundamental rights. “It does not affect county government functions nor constitute a money Bill,” the Bill adds.
The legislation aims to protect the public from unqualified practitioners, standardise architectural practice, and strengthen accountability within the profession.
