Trust, Power, and Public Protection: Kenya’s Crossroads on Professional Regulation
By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer
Nairobi, April 1, 2026 — In a rapidly developing nation where skylines are rising and infrastructure projects are expanding at an unprecedented pace, one question continues to stir debate among professionals: who should regulate those entrusted with shaping the built environment?
This question took centre stage at a forum convened by the Architectural Association of Kenya, during Lift Season 2, Episode 1, where experts from across multiple disciplines gathered to examine whether self-regulation or public oversight best protects the public interest.
The conversation brought together voices from architecture, engineering, law, accounting, and supply chain management—fields that collectively underpin Kenya’s development agenda. Representatives from the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, and the Kenya Institute of Supply Chain Management added depth to the discussion, reflecting the interconnected nature of professional practice.
At its core, the debate was not just about systems of regulation, but about public trust—how it is built, maintained, and, when necessary, restored.
For Charles Kanjama of the Law Society, the challenge with self-regulation lies in its susceptibility to conflict of interest. When professionals are tasked with policing their own conduct, he argued, the line between accountability and self-preservation can easily blur. In such scenarios, the risk is that public welfare may take a backseat to institutional loyalty.
Yet, others see structured oversight as the stronger safeguard. Hilary Onami from the accountants’ body made a compelling case for formal regulation, noting that enforceability is key. Without clear, externally supervised mechanisms, he suggested, professional standards risk becoming advisory rather than mandatory, weakening their ability to protect the public.
From the engineering perspective, Engineer Iteme emphasized the realities of operating within a legislative environment. In Kenya, where most projects are governed by statutory requirements, he noted that regulation is not optional—it is embedded in the system. However, he cautioned that self-regulation can sometimes be undermined by advocacy pressures within professional groups, diluting its effectiveness.
Still, the discussion was far from polarized. Mary Mutugi of the supply chain institute offered a more integrative view, suggesting that the debate should not be framed as a binary choice. Instead, she argued for a complementary approach, where both self-regulation and public oversight function in tandem, guided by a shared commitment to ethical practice and public protection.
Her position resonated with many in the room, gradually shaping a broader consensus: no single system holds all the answers.
As the forum progressed, it became clear that the real issue is not who regulates, but how regulation is practiced. Professional integrity, transparency, and accountability emerged as the foundational pillars—regardless of whether oversight comes from within or outside.
The implications of this debate extend far beyond boardrooms and professional associations. For ordinary Kenyans, the outcome determines the safety of buildings they occupy, the reliability of infrastructure they depend on, and the trust they place in experts whose decisions shape daily life.
In a country positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation and development, the stakes could not be higher.
By the close of the session, one message stood out: the protection of the public must remain paramount. Whether through self-regulation, public oversight, or a hybrid of both, systems must be designed not for the convenience of professionals, but for the safety and confidence of the people they serve.
As Kenya continues to grow, the challenge will not only be to build more—but to build responsibly, under systems that the public can trust.
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