Kasanga, Kanjama Lead Debate on Accountability at “The LIFT” Forum
Story by Ayubu John Afrimedia Group news Nairobi, Kenya – At “The LIFT” Open Forum, Sylvia Kasanga led a high-level discussion on self-regulation versus public oversight in architecture, bringing together key professional bodies to examine how best to protect the public in the built environment.
As President of The Architects Alliance and a Senator, Kasanga emphasized that architects must balance innovation with responsibility, noting that “public oversight does not limit creativity—it protects communities, ensures quality, and builds trust.” She called for stronger ethical standards, continuous professional development, and mentorship, urging industry leaders to guide young architects and align practice with policy.
Adding a strong legal perspective, Charles Kanjama of the Law Society of Kenya stressed that public protection must remain the central goal of any regulatory framework. He noted that “self-regulation can only work where there is integrity, but the law must provide clear consequences where standards are breached.”
Kanjama further emphasized that public oversight introduces essential checks and balances, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction. “Regulation is not about control for its own sake—it is about safeguarding lives, ensuring accountability, and maintaining public confidence,” he said, adding that enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to support professional standards.
The forum highlighted the need for closer collaboration between professionals and regulators, especially in shaping reforms such as the Architects Bill 2026.
Together, the leaders called for a balanced approach that promotes innovation, accountability, and public trust, reinforcing the role of architects and regulators as joint custodians of safe, sustainable, and people-centered spaces.
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