The University of Nairobi is set to deepen its collaboration with leading international professional bodies to enhance academic and professional standards in the built environment. A high-level strategic meeting was held on Wednesday, 26th, between the Department of Real Estate, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying (RECMQS), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the African Real Estate Society (AfRES).
Chaired by Professor K'Akumu, Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment, the meeting focused on reinforcing long-standing partnerships. Key discussions centred on the RICS accreditation of the University’s programmes in Real Estate, Construction Management, and Quantity Surveying.
Mr. Boniface Wawere, representing RICS as Business Development Manager for London, South West, and Sub-Saharan Africa, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting the University’s accreditation journey. He pledged to engage academic staff on RICS membership pathways, professional development, and the integration of global standards into an upcoming curriculum review, a point underscored by the Department Chair, Arch. Peter Njeru.
The African Real Estate Society (AfRES) was a key participant in the dialogue. The Society’s President and University Adjunct Lecturer, Mr. Nicky Nzioki, highlighted the strong AfRES-RICS partnership. He formally invited RICS to co-sponsor and participate in the 25th AfRES Annual Conference, scheduled for 8–11 September 2026 in Kampala, Uganda.
Further contributions emphasised wider collaborative efforts. Lecturer and former AfRES President, Mrs. Kariuki, thanked RICS for its consistent support of the AfRES Women’s Dinner and advocated for expanded mentorship and empowerment initiatives for young women in the profession.
The voice of the next generation was represented by Mr. Bill Bwana, a Graduate Assistant and postgraduate student. He expressed gratitude for RICS's backing of the Future Leaders of AfRES (FLAfRES) and called for more capacity-building activities for emerging professionals.
Faculty member Mr. Kirk Katwa stressed the importance of academic contributions to RICS journals and research publications. The meeting also included the presence of FLAfRES representatives Mr. Antony Mouki, Mr. Ian Kiprono, Mr. Lewis Maringa, and Mr. Joseph Ndungu.
The session concluded with a unified commitment from all parties to strengthen collaboration. The University of Nairobi, AfRES, and RICS plan to pursue deeper partnerships in professional development, research, and capacity building across the built environment sector.
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