THE EAST AFRICA REPORT

  James Mutua   Three built environment professional associations have rejected the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, saying the proposed law could undermine professional autonomy and public protection. Speaking to the press on Monday, the Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK), Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK) and The Architects Alliance said they are not opposed to regulation but want a framework that recognises the distinct roles and competencies of different built environment professions. The organisations said the Bill seeks to regulate architects, quantity surveyors, interior designers, landscape architects, construction project managers and technicians under a single Board despite the professions having different bodies of knowledge, education systems, competencies, scopes of practice and professional responsibilities. “Our concern is simple: one profession should not effectively regulate another profession,” the ...

Kenyatta University has appointed Professor John Okumu as its substantive Vice-Chancellor, ending a six-month stint in an acting capacity, with the new university head outlining an ambitious agenda centred on financial recovery, curriculum reforms and improved student welfare. Speaking after his appointment, Prof Okumu thanked the University Council, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Kenyatta University community for the confidence they had placed in him. "Our core mission is teaching, research and community service," he said, adding that his administration would focus on strengthening these pillars while preparing the institution for major changes in higher education. A key priority, he said, is preparing the university for the Competency-Based Education (CBE) transition expected by 2029. Prof Okumu said the shift would require universities to redesign academic programmes, retrain lecturers, invest in practical learning facilities and secure additional funding. ...

More than 100 mechanics from across the North Rift gathered in Eldoret today as Vivo Energy Kenya celebrated the skilled professionals who keep Kenya's transport, agriculture and businesses moving. Held under the theme Celebrating the People Behind Kenya's Mobility Ecosystem, the 2nd annual Mechanics Wellness Day recognised the critical role mechanics play in powering the country's economy while reaffirming Shell Lubricants' long-term commitment to their wellbeing and professional growth. The event recognised mechanics for their pivotal contributions in driving Kenya's economy by keeping the country's transport, industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, engineering and construction sectors running efficiently. Whether servicing tractors preparing farmland, trucks transporting fresh produce, buses connecting communities or family vehicles travelling across the country, mechanics are essential to Kenya's mobility ecosystem. Their expertise keeps people moving, ...

Hon. Sadia Mohamed Jama “Miss Uunsi” continues to build a public profile through her involvement in community affairs and political discussions, with her activities reflecting a broader interest in issues affecting Kenyan communities. Her public engagements have placed particular attention on the relationship between politics and society. For many political figures, maintaining contact with communities is essential to understanding the challenges facing different groups and ensuring that public discussions remain connected to everyday realities. Hon. Sadia Mohamed Jama “Miss Uunsi” has been increasingly visible in discussions involving women, youth, community development and regional affairs. These issues are closely connected, particularly in communities where young people make up a large proportion of the population and where women play a central role in social and economic life. Youth development remains one of the major challenges facing Kenya. Access to employment, education, entr...