A Study Into The Adequacy And Effectiveness Of Regulations Governing The Professional Practice And Work Ethics In The Quantity Surveying Profession

Abstract

Quantity Surveyors in Kenya undergo two stages of training. There is the university training which qualifies one for practical training on the job. Practical training is meant to instill a professional character into the individual. This makes him an informed person on his duties and obligations bearing in mind the economic and regulator) grounds on which he operates. The main purpose of this study was to determine the sufficiency of the regulatory environment under which the Quantity Surveyor operates, to identify shortcomings and to propose amendments where necessary. Quantity surveyors and the registrar of BORAQS were the respondents. The questions to the registrar centered on operations of the Board, registration of Quantity Surveyors and handling of cases of professional misconducts. Questions to the Quantity Surveyors mainiy revolved around their attitudes and opinions on regulations and mechanisms of enforcement. The study shows that the regulatory instruments of the profession i.e. the Act and the Board, have not achieved their role of regulating the profession. This is because of the inadequacy of the legal provisions in the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act Cap 525 and constraints under which the Board operates. The Act does not cover all trades of the profession; it discourages practices which professionals are competent and skilled to carry out and does not offer strict disciplinary measures to those who undermine its provisions. The study has therefore recommended amendments and ways of empowering the Board to administer the Act effectively.