The Business Leader Spotlight this week highlights Jacob Mwangi, who stands at the helm of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) as its CEO, guiding the premier professional body for built and natural environment experts in the nation. Mr Mwangi elucidates how the association has grown into a collective powerhouse that promotes excellence in the practice of architecture and allied professions. His vision drives the association's mission to not only uphold professional standards but also to actively shape policy and champion sustainable, safe and inclusive development across Kenya. Read the full interview below;

An overview of your organization and its key focus areas

Established in 1967, AAK is the premier professional body for built and natural environment professionals in Kenya. The association aims to promote excellence in the practice of architecture and allied professions. AAK brings together over 6,000 members from diverse disciplines, including architecture, quantity surveying, town planning, engineering, construction project management, interior design, landscape architecture, and environmental design.

AAK operates as a critical bridge between industry, academia, government, and the public, with the mission to uphold professional standards, influence policy, and promote sustainable, safe, and inclusive development across the country. AAK focus area include;

1. Professional Excellence and Regulation

AAK has consistently advocated for comprehensive legislation recognizing and regulating all Built Environment professionals under a single umbrella body. The association is championing these efforts through the Coalition of Built Environment Professionals, which constitutes all professional associations in the built environment to create a united and cohesive approach to address the challenges in regulating industry professionals.

Through continuous professional development (CPD) programs and strong peer regulation mechanisms, AAK fosters a culture of excellence, innovation and accountability.

2. Public Awareness and Advocacy

Through public campaigns such as Je, Una Mjengo? and Mulika Mjengo, AAK has positioned itself as a public educator and advocate for safe, ethical construction. These initiatives demystify the building process for the general public and expose the dangers of engaging unqualified individuals in construction projects. At the same time, platforms like the BuildHub portal empower citizens, developers, and professionals by providing clear, county-specific guidance on planning approvals, permits, and compliance, reinforcing transparency and public participation in development control.

3. Sustainable Development and Climate Action

AAK champions environmental stewardship through flagship programs like the Grow-AClassroom Project, which converts underutilized school land into green, productive spaces for climate education, food production, and sustainable infrastructure. In advancing sustainable construction, AAK developed the Safari Green Building Index (SGBI), a regional tool for assessing the environmental performance of building projects. The association is also driving inclusive infrastructure planning through the Integrated and Inclusive Infrastructure Framework (3iF), designed to guide the upgrading of informal settlements with equity and climate resilience at the core.

4. Policy Influence and Governance

AAK has remained actively involved in legislative and regulatory processes to ensure that policies governing the built environment are responsive to societal needs and aligned with the principles of sustainable development.

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 16, AAK actively promotes rule of law, transparency, and institutional accountability in the built environment. Through our Status of the Built Environment Report, the association evaluates how public funds are used in infrastructure and development, advocating for more responsible and responsive public systems. AAK also lobbies for streamlined, one-stop-shop approval systems to minimize bureaucracy and corruption and enhance service delivery at both county and national levels. These digital tools and campaigns aim to reduce human interference in regulatory processes and build public trust.

5. Education, Innovation, and Research

Through our College of Fellows and strong partnerships with academic institutions, AAK works to bridge the gap between education and professional practice. This supports curriculum development, mentorship programs, and research that aligns with current industry needs. Joint innovation forums, student competitions, and regional exchanges offer young professionals exposure to real-world practice and global standards. AAK also facilitates cross-sector collaboration in applied research, driving forward knowledge that supports innovation, urban resilience, and sustainable design.

6. Housing and Livability

Recognizing housing as a key determinant of well-being, AAK is deeply involved in promoting healthy, affordable, and dignified living environments for all Kenyans. Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, AAK developed the Healthy Homes Guidelines, a user-friendly tool to assess and improve the safety, ventilation, and quality of housing, particularly in informal settlements. The association also advocates for housing policies and planning approaches that prioritize livability, environmental health, and accessibility for marginalized communities.

7. Local Content and Ethical Practice

AAK actively campaigns against the marginalization of local professionals and the exploitation of regulatory loopholes. It proposes measures such as professional debarment limits, peer-reviewed submissions, and digital site inspections to ensure equitable participation, compliance, and the integrity of Kenya’s development process.

Major milestones or achievements your organization has celebrated

1. BuildHub Portal: AAK developed the BuildHub Portal to simplify and demystify Kenya’s development approval processes by offering step-by-step guidance on planning and building approval processes, and related regulations across counties. BuildHub improves access to information, stakeholder knowledge, promotes transparency, and enhances public participation in urban development.
2. MAAKtaba Platform: The platform is a repository for projects in the architectural field which serves as a resource for learning, collaboration, and documentation of work in the built environment.
3. Recognition as Major Stakeholders: AAK has been recognized as a major stakeholder and has representatives in various taskforces and committees across 25 counties and 30 local and international organizations.
4. Advancing E-Permitting Systems: AAK has championed the rollout and strengthening of e-permitting systems in Kenya, promoting the digitization of development control processes at county and national levels. E-permitting reduces delays, minimizes bureaucratic inefficiencies, and curbs opportunities for corruption, while allowing real-time monitoring of applications. This initiative aligns with AAK’s broader goal of modernizing the built environment sector and fostering a regulatory ecosystem that supports sustainable, lawful, and investor-friendly development practices.
5. International Recognition: AAK was honored at the inaugural APSEA Awards 2024, winning First Place in the Collaboration & Partnership category and placing as Second Runner-Up in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion. These accolades reflect AAK’s leadership in promoting cross-sector collaboration and advancing inclusive practices within the built environment professions.
6. Leadership in Regional and International Platforms: AAK has taken on significant leadership roles within the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and the East African Institute of Architects (EAIA), reaffirming its influence and credibility on the global stage.

When you became a KEPSA member and your journey with us so far.

The association became a KEPSA member in 2018 driven by the need to position built environment professionals more centrally in national policy discourse. Since then, our journey with KEPSA has been both strategic and impactful. As a multi-disciplinary association representing architects, quantity surveyors, planners, engineers, and other professionals in the built and natural environment, KEPSA has provided us with a platform to champion sustainable urban development, professional standards, and responsive policy frameworks. Our participation in KEPSA Sector Boards, forums, and consultative dialogues has expanded our influence while strengthening collaboration across sectors.

How KEPSA has contributed to the growth and success of your business

Through KEPSA’s public-private dialogue platforms, we’ve been able to meaningfully contribute to conversations on infrastructure policy, housing, local content, climate action, and urban governance. This has enhanced our visibility, credibility, and ability to influence policy outcomes that directly affect the built environment sector. The exposure to national and regional economic priorities has also enabled us to align our programs with broader development goals. KEPSA’s ecosystem has given us access to timely information, strategic networks, and a seat at the table on issues that shape the future of Kenya’s cities and communities.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or those starting their business journey

For anyone starting out, embracing innovation and seizing opportunities in green building solutions is key. As the construction industry evolves, sustainable practices are no longer just a trend but a necessity. Aspiring entrepreneurs should prioritize eco-friendly designs and technologies that reduce environmental impact. This approach not only meets emerging regulatory demands and attracts environmentally conscious clients but also opens access to climate financing and new growth opportunities.