The Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (BORAQS) has warned of the alternative cost-cutting technologies that are being introduced in Kenya’s construction industry must meet the laid down requirements before being adopted nationally.
BORAQS Chairman, Mr. Nathan Kureba confirmed the reports and said that while the new technologies are welcome in the country, practitioners must make sure all processes meet the set rules and regulations that promote safety of buildings.
“We are aware of various new technologies being applied by various building firms and we shall strictly monitor their practices to ensure the buildings they erect are up to standard in accordance with the regulations put in place,” said Mr Kureba.
In the recent past, Kenya has seen the introduction and adoption of new building materials, which are believed to significantly cut the cost of setting up residential and commercial structures. The Kenyan government has also embraced the new technologies and recently approved a plan by a Chinese firm to put up 20,000 civil servants houses using cheaper materials with three other alternative technology firms currently undertaking various government projects.
The news was released to the public during the launch of BORAQS’ five-year strategic plan that aims at raising the standards in the building industry by coming up with an all-inclusive regulation regime that recognizes building technicians from tertiary institutions to graduates from local universities.
“Our task is to review the training manual for the tertiary institutions and universities, which will enable the board to set up examinations and issue practitioners with licenses at their level hence promoting professionalism in the field,” said Mr Kureba.
Also launched at the meeting was an e-payment product, National Bank-BORAQ VISA card, which is intended to be used as an identification document for their members as well as a platform for payment of goods and services.
BORAQS is mandated to regulate the professions of Architecture and Quantity Surveying through training, registration and enhancement of ethical practice in Kenya.