Recap of the 2025 IQSK Annual Summit: A Resounding Success!
The 2025 IQSK Annual Summit, held from October 22nd–24th, at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, was a landmark event that successfully brought together professionals from across the built environment sector. Under the theme “Technology-Driven Transformation: Life Cycle Planning, Cost Engineering, and Execution in the Built Environment,” the summit explored the vital role of technology in reshaping the industry, while promoting sustainable and cost-effective practices.
Key Highlights and Appreciations
From the outset, the summit set a positive, interactive tone with events like the Golf event held at Nyali Golf Club and the Mombasa Marine Park Excursion, each hosting 15 participants. These activities provided an excellent opportunity for networking and fostering meaningful relationships. Additionally, the YQSF Mentorship Session attracted 70 students, underscoring the summit’s commitment to the development of future professionals in the field. Our distinguished speakers shared valuable insights across various domains, and we are deeply grateful for their participation:
Our guest speaker, Ms. Mary Kerema, Secretary of the Ministry of ICT & Digital Economy
“The calculator never replaced the thinker; it only made their thoughts faster”
- Mary Kerema, Secretary of the Ministry of ICT & Digital Economy,acknowledged the pivotal role that technology continues to play in reshaping Kenya’s built environment, emphasizing that technology is no longer an enabler, but a critical driver of transformation across every stage of a project’s life cycle.
- She highlighted technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geospatial Data Systems, and Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) as key tools in revolutionizing construction processes by enhancing accuracy, reducing wastage, and improving collaboration. Kerema also spoke about the Kenyan government’s digital transformation strategy, including digitizing public services through eCitizen, promoting open data systems, and developing national digital infrastructure to support smart cities, efficient resource use, and better coordination among ministries.
Key Takeaways for Quantity Surveyors from the 2025 IQSK Annual Summit
- Standardization in Contracts: The launch of IQSK’s standardized contracts (Labor-Based Works, Small Works, and Subcontract Agreements) is crucial for improving professionalism, transparency, and efficiency in project execution. As quantity surveyors, these standard documents provide a reliable reference for both public and private sector projects, ensuring legal clarity and accountability.
- Sustainable Cost Planning and Green Building: Sustainable construction is both environmentally responsible and economically advantageous. By integrating green building certifications, locally sourced materials, and life-cycle costing, quantity surveyors can help reduce operational costs significantly while adding long-term value to projects. Understanding how a 6% increase in capital costs can cut operational costs by up to 30% is essential for future planning.
- Incorporating ESG Frameworks in Cost Planning: ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles are becoming integral to the construction industry. Quantity surveyors must adapt to these frameworks, particularly by integrating low-carbon materials and resource-efficient design strategies. This will not only enhance sustainability but also ensure projects are competitive in securing financing and investor confidence.
- Health and Safety in a Digitized Environment: As technology enhances construction processes, new occupational health and safety risks emerge. Quantity surveyors must advocate for the integration of digital safety systems, data-driven monitoring, and continuous risk management in project planning, ensuring worker safety in an increasingly tech-driven environment.
- Green Financing and Sustainable Project Viability: Understanding ESG principles is vital for accessing green financing and ensuring the long-term viability of projects. By leveraging tools like BIM and carbon valuation, quantity surveyors can support the verification of sustainable design and align projects with international green standards, improving their chances of securing funding.
- Financial Management in Project Planning: Quantity surveyors can apply the same strategic approach to personal finance as they do in project cost planning. The Three Pillars of Wealth—Capital Preservation, Income Generation, and Wealth Growth —highlight the importance of structured financial management, which is crucial for both personal and professional stability.
- Future Regulations and Carbon Valuation: With upcoming reforms in building codes, including the integration of BIM and carbon valuation standards, quantity surveyors will play a key role in ensuring compliance with sustainability and carbon reduction regulations. Staying ahead of these changes will help them maintain competitive advantages within the built environment.
- Thank You to All Who Made the Summit a SuccessThe success of the 2025 IQSK Annual Summit was made possible through the collective efforts of everyone involved. A heartfelt thank you to all our delegates for their active participation and engagement throughout the event. Your contributions made the summit dynamic and impactful.We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our partners and sponsors, including Crown Paints, Hydro Aluminium, MAPEI, Jumbo Chem, BASF, Kich , ENVU Global, Kenya Tourism Board and ICEA Lion. Your generous support ensured that the summit ran smoothly and was able to deliver valuable insights to all attendees. We are grateful for your continued partnership and commitment to advancing the built environment sector in Kenya.
A sincere thank you to our speakers, panelists, and mentors, who shared their expertise and knowledge, driving important conversations around digital transformation, sustainable building practices, and the future of the construction industry.
Lastly, a special thank you goes to the IQSK staff and council members for their dedication and hard work in organizing and executing a seamless event. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence made the summit an unforgettable experience.
As we look ahead to future summits, we are excited to continue building on the momentum created by this year’s event. We look forward to future collaborations that will continue to shape the growth and success of Kenya’s built environment. Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2025 IQSK Annual Summit.
Together, we are building a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient future for the construction industry.
