This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
Kenya is poised to introduce a locally developed green building rating system by the first quarter of next year, according to Gideon Owalo, the Environmental Design chapter chairman of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK). This initiative aims to address the country's unique environmental concerns and promote local architectural aspirations.
The proposed rating system will cover seven key areas, including water conservation, energy conservation, planning, design, innovation, use of local materials, and buildings with historical value. This move comes as Kenya has been relying on foreign-based green building certification tools such as the Green Star Rating System, LEED, and EDGE.
However, the country faces a significant shortage of architects, with only two accredited universities offering architectural courses: the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and the University of Nairobi. A survey by the Commonwealth Association of Architects highlights the critical lack of capacity in many Commonwealth countries, particularly those rapidly urbanizing and vulnerable to environmental challenges.
AAK President Mugure Njendu countered that Kenya has sufficient professional architects but faces a challenge in engaging the public to utilize their services. She emphasized the need for public sensitization on the importance of hiring professionals in the field of architecture.
At the AAK Annual Convention in Mombasa, Emma Miloyo, the immediate former AAK president, emphasized the need for the government to increase institutions teaching architecture to meet the high demand and ensure the availability of services to the people.
