Esther Passaris Participates in Key Parliamentary Talks on Built Environment Reforms

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has participated in public participation proceedings on the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 47 of 2026), as Parliament considers proposed reforms to the regulation of Kenya’s built environment professionals.

Passaris took part in the engagement by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, chaired by Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi, as stakeholders presented their views on the proposed legislation.

The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act, Cap. 525, expanding regulation to cover additional built environment professionals while addressing emerging developments in the construction sector.

The proposed reforms incorporate areas such as green building technologies, climate change mitigation and artificial intelligence, reflecting the changing demands of modern construction, infrastructure development and urban planning.

Passaris’ participation highlights her engagement in parliamentary committee work, where legislators examine proposed laws, listen to stakeholders and contribute to discussions that shape national policy and professional standards.

The legislation comes at a time when Kenya is experiencing rapid urbanisation and increased demand for housing, infrastructure and sustainable development solutions. A modern regulatory framework is important in promoting professional accountability, construction quality and public safety.

Green building technologies and climate-conscious construction practices are increasingly important in addressing environmental concerns, while artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities in architectural design, project planning and construction management.

The Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament and stakeholders to consider how professional regulation can adapt to these developments while protecting public interests.

Public participation remains a critical part of the legislative process, allowing professional bodies, practitioners and other interested parties to contribute perspectives that can inform parliamentary deliberations.

For Nairobi, where urban planning, housing and infrastructure development remain significant priorities, effective regulation of built environment professionals has implications for the quality and sustainability of future projects.

As a member of the committee, Passaris joined fellow legislators in the process of examining the proposed framework and engaging stakeholders on its potential impact.

The Bill will continue through the parliamentary process, with its eventual provisions determined by the outcome of legislative scrutiny and consideration of stakeholder submissions.

Passaris’ participation underscores the importance of committee engagement in shaping legislation that responds to Kenya’s evolving professional, technological and environmental needs.

The ongoing deliberations offer an opportunity to strengthen the legal framework governing the built environment and ensure it remains relevant to the country’s development priorities.