AAK Sounds Alarm on ‘Quack Architects’ as Collapsing Buildings Spur Call for Industry Sanity

  AAK Sounds Alarm on ‘Quack Architects’ as Collapsing Buildings Spur Call for Industry Sanity

Story By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer 29th April 2026 3Hrs

 

Nairobi, April 29, 2026 — The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has raised the red flag over the rise of unqualified “quack architects,” blaming them for a surge in unsafe and collapsing buildings across the country.

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   Arch Yassin Munyanya  Treasurer (AAK)

 Speaking during a national public participation forum held at a Nairobi hotel, an AAK representative and licensed engineer said the infiltration of quacks into the construction sector is now a “paramount threat” to public safety and professional integrity.

“These quack architects are mocking the industry,” the engineer said. “We are seeing poorly designed structures failing and collapsing, putting lives at risk and eroding trust in the built environment.”

The AAK called for urgent, coordinated action to restore sanity in the sector. The association emphasized that only registered, qualified professionals should be allowed to design and approve building plans. It urged county governments, the National Construction Authority, and the public to verify credentials before engaging architectural services.

“This is a game changer moment,” the AAK representative noted. “We must revolt against substandard practice and demand accountability. The call to action is clear: protect Kenyans by ensuring a better, safer built environment.”

AAK also pointed to global best practices, noting that strong regulatory enforcement and public awareness have helped other countries curb the rise of quack practitioners. The association plans to intensify public education campaigns and work with authorities to blacklist repeat offenders.

With Kenya’s construction boom continuing, AAK warned that failure to act will lead to more loss of life and property. “Professionalism is not optional. It’s the foundation of every safe building,” the engineer added.

The forum brought together architects, engineers, developers, and government officials to chart reforms aimed at tightening licensing, inspections, and penalties for malpractice.