New integrity push targets governance gaps in construction industry
3:02:2026: Kenya’s construction sector is set for strengthened regulatory oversight following a strategic commitment by key oversight and professional bodies to address governance weaknesses, enhance accountability, and safeguard public resources within the built environment.
The renewed collaboration seeks to confront emerging risks, including the proliferation of unqualified practitioners and gaps in development control processes at the county level, while advancing reforms aimed at reinforcing professional standards, regulatory compliance, and transparency across the sector.
The commitment was formalized yesterday at a strategic meeting held at the Integrity Centre between Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Dr David Oginde and a delegation from the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) led by Chairman Arch. Silvester K. Muli.
Discussions focused on systemic governance challenges affecting the construction industry, a capital-intensive sector that absorbs significant public investment and plays a critical role in infrastructure delivery and public safety. Both institutions underscored the need for coordinated oversight to mitigate corruption risks and strengthen institutional accountability.
The Board outlined ongoing reform measures aimed at enhancing regulatory effectiveness, including the rollout of digitised registration systems, strengthened complaints management mechanisms, legislative review initiatives, and closer inter-agency collaboration to streamline compliance and enforcement frameworks.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with professional and regulatory bodies to promote integrity across high-risk sectors, noting that governance failures in construction can result not only in financial losses but also in serious safety and structural consequences.
Both institutions agreed to enhance cooperation under the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum framework to advance transparency, strengthen professional accountability, and ensure prudent management of public resources within the construction ecosystem.
