IQSK New Council Meets P.S Joel Arumonyang
The newly elected Council of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) has stepped up efforts to strengthen collaboration with the Government following a meeting with the State Department for Public Works (SDPW).
On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Council was hosted by the Principal Secretary for Public Works, Eng. Joel Arumonyang, during a courtesy engagement aimed at introducing the new leadership. In the meeting, the council also presented the IQSK strategic priorities for the 2026–2028 term, and explored opportunities for partnership with the Government.
Strengthening the Role of Quantity Surveyors
A key focus of the meeting was the role of Quantity Surveyors in public-sector projects. IQSK highlighted the profession’s critical contribution to cost planning, cost control, procurement, contract administration, project monitoring and ensuring value for money throughout the project lifecycle.
The Council called for greater integration of Quantity Surveyors across public-sector institutions and projects, drawing lessons from regional models where QS professionals play a more prominent role in public financial management, procurement oversight and infrastructure delivery.
Greater Professional Input in Policy
The Council also emphasised the importance of involving professional bodies in policy and regulatory discussions at an early stage.
With Kenya undertaking major infrastructure investments and expanding the use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), IQSK noted that the technical expertise of Quantity Surveyors can help government make informed decisions, manage project costs and safeguard value for money.
The Council further highlighted the impact of recent fiscal and policy changes on the construction sector and expressed its readiness to provide technical input to government on matters affecting the built environment.
Investing in Professional Development
IQSK and SDPW also explored opportunities for joint technical forums, seminars, workshops, research and other capacity-building initiatives.
The Council recognised SDPW as a key partner in the development of construction cost benchmarks and the jointly published Cost Handbooks, which provide valuable guidance on construction costs and promote greater consistency across the industry. Discussions also touched on efforts to finalise the 2026/2027 edition for use by industry stakeholders.
Creating Opportunities for Young Quantity Surveyors
Youth development and industry linkages formed another important part of the engagement.
IQSK proposed a structured approach through which it could periodically share lists of students and young professionals seeking internships and attachments with SDPW. The initiative seeks to create opportunities for practical experience while helping bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice.
The Council believes that stronger internship and graduate trainee programmes within public-sector projects can help develop the next generation of Quantity Surveyors while supporting Kenya’s broader youth employment and skills-development agenda.
Reviewing the Quantity Surveyors Bill, 2026
The Council also discussed ongoing regulatory reforms affecting the profession.
IQSK acknowledged the proposed Quantity Surveyors Bill, 2026, which seeks to modernise the existing legal framework and establish IQSK as an independent regulatory body for the profession. The Council is also reviewing the proposed Architects Bill, 2026, and the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Practitioners Bill, 2026, which proposes a unified regulatory framework for built-environment professionals.
IQSK is currently evaluating the Bills and will submit its formal position after completing its review.
Building a Stronger Partnership
The engagement with SDPW reflects IQSK’s commitment to positioning Quantity Surveyors as key contributors to Kenya’s infrastructure and national development agenda.
Through stronger collaboration with the Government, the Institute seeks to enhance professional practice, improve public project delivery, promote value for money, support young professionals and ensure that Quantity Surveyors have a meaningful voice in policies shaping Kenya’s built environment.
The Council looks forward to continued engagement with Principal Secretary Eng. Joel Arumonyang and the State Department for Public Works as it advances its 2026–2028 agenda.