Chartered surveyors in Kenya are looking forward to an active year after the completion and adoption of the association's Business Plan, which outlines the goals, activities and benchmarks to be achieved over the next three years. High among the priorities is to strengthen RICS presence in Kenya, rejuvenate the membership profile and exert some influence on policy and other issues of national importance. Already several senior members are sitting on committees involved in the formulation of new national policies in the land and housing sectors.  

Consultations have been going on with the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya. "We have a very good working relationship with ISK and are planning joint activities this year for the joint benefit of our members. The property and construction sectors are facing so many challenges which make it necessary for us to put our heads together for the benefit of owners, developers and consumers", says Saad Yahya, Chair of RICS Kenya.  

The University of Nairobi is vigourously persuing accreditation of its undergraduate and more advanced courses in real estate and construction economics, which has been in existence for four decades. An accreditation mission is expected mid-2006. That will make it much easier for young Kenyans to join the institution. There is already great interest shown among students.