JKUAT architecture programmes attain Commonwealth Accreditation

Arch. Nadi Hashim explains one of the architectural project to visiting teams. [Courtesy of JKUAT]

The Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) has validated Bachelor of Architectural Technology, Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Bachelor of Architecture programmes offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, under the School of Architecture and Building Sciences (SABS).

The certification was affirmed when SABS met the required threshold set by the CAA in a three-day assessment of the programmes conducted between May 6-8, 2019, by the CAA regional and local officials whose affiliate members include: The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Board of Registration for Architects and Quality Surveyors (BORAQS).

During the presentation of the final report to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, CAA representative, Mr. Jayantha Perera, who chaired the Board commended the faculty in the Department of Architecture for being highly motivated and impressive display of student work. He also lauded the emphasis laid on the design process of student projects saying it was a key factor in the learning process.

The board observed that the department had taken steps to increase the number of staff as well as adjunct lecturers to manage the increasing student numbers.

The board further reported a satisfactory level of gender balance among the students while applauding SABS for an early exposure of students to practical training in fabrication work, masonry, woodwork, plumbing and metal work.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ngumi congratulated the Department for attaining the milestone, and recognised the collective effort of students and staff that made it possible for the university to get the certification.

Prof. Ngumi gave an assurance that JKUAT will fully implement additional recommendations of the board as a way of fostering quality training of architects for Kenya and the region.

The Chairman of the Department of Architecture Arch. Nadi Hashim celebrated the achievement saying it marked a major milestone for JKUAT having successfully benchmarked with the experts at the highest level.

While expressing his gratitude to the University management for supporting the course, Arch. Nadi urged the students to grab the opportunity and unleash their architectural ingenuity and skills globally in order to place JKUAT on the global map.