Mombasa, Kenya
The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) has called for stronger collaboration among construction stakeholders to strengthen project delivery and promote value for money in the built environment.
The call was made during the IQSK Annual Summit, held at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa (28th-30th Oct) that brought together over 300 delegates from across the construction sector.
Held under the timely theme: Owning Our Space: Construction Dynamics, Infrastructure Involvement, and Project Financing, the summit provided a platform for stakeholders to examine the roles of quantity surveyors within a fast-changing technological environment.
Opening the discussions, IQSK President Qs. Janet Chirchir emphasized the importance of early involvement of quantity surveyors in construction projects.
“Quantity surveyors must be involved in projects early before the important choices are made, before the opportunity to influence value and manage costs becomes limited. Changing those decisions late becomes increasingly expensive,” she noted.
While reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to advancing the quantity surveying profession, Qs. Chirchir appreciated the delegates, partners and the speakers for continually making the summit a success.
Guarding the Profession’s Space in a Changing Industry
The Chief Guest, Architect Sylvester Muli, Chairperson of the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), challenged quantity surveyors to remain relevant as the industry undergoes transformation.
Arch. Muli’s posed a critical question to the profession, “How should we embrace AI, while guarding and enhancing our space?”
His remarks emphasized the need for quantity surveyors to embrace new technologies while strengthening the profession and expertise.
Representing the Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Alice Wahome (E.G.H), Arch Muli also highlighted the opportunity for the profession to move beyond traditional post-construction functions to strategic value management.
He further explored the proposed Architects and Quantity Surveyors Practitioners Bill, which seeks to clarify professional roles and responsibilities within the built environment.
Industry Calls for a Broader Approach to Value and Project Delivery
Representing Crown Paints, Tom Oyer called on quantity surveyors to embrace changing market dynamics and prioritize longevity over price in construction products .
Oyer emphasized the importance of durable materials and innovative solutions in delivering sustainable infrastructure.
Technology also took center stage, with discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modeling (BIM) and robotics. Key panelists and speakers urged quantity surveyors to embrace construction technology which is now within reach.
Industry Partners and Institutional Collaboration
This year’s summit attracted partners from manufacturing, insurance, consultancy and construction chemicals sectors.
Crown Paints partnered with IQSK as the main and sole paint manufacturer. Other construction chemicals partners included MAPEI, ENVU, Saint Gobain and Sika. Bethany Shield and Peak Point joined the summit the sole insurance and consultancy partners, respectively.
Additional manufacturing partners included Hydro Aluminium Limited, Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM), Tarmal Steel and Muwi Roofing. RIB Software also partnered with IQSK as the sole construction software services partner.
Beyond the private sector, the Institute collaborated with critical State Institutions in the construction sector. They included the National Housing Corporation, the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), the National Construction Authority (NCA), the State Departments for Public Works (SDPW) and for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD).
The partnerships reinforced the summit’s broader call for collaboration among industry stakeholders in advancing professional practice, innovation and sustainable construction in Kenya.
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