Surveying training set for major overhaul

CATHERINE MUINDI-PCO

Kenya’s surveying and geospatial training is set for a major overhaul following a consultative meeting between the Land Surveyors’ Board and Universities, which agreed on the need for a harmonized training framework, clear professional pathways and legal reforms to align the profession with emerging technologies and industry needs.

The meeting held at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, brought together universities offering Surveying, Geomatics Engineering and Geospatial Engineering programmes, alongside representatives from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), the Council of Governors (CoG), the Director of Surveys, Board Members and the Secretariat to deliberate on the future of geospatial education and professional Practice in Kenya.

Opening the meeting, the Chairman of the Land Surveyors’ Board, Mr. Maritim Weldon, commended universities for their critical role in producing the next generation of geospatial professionals and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with institutions of higher learning.

“The surveying profession today extends far beyond land subdivision. Surveyors and geospatial professionals are at the centre of land administration, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, urban planning, natural resource management, disaster risk management and national development.

Our responsibility is to ensure that graduates entering the profession possess the knowledge, skills and ethical standards required to serve the country effectively,” said Mr. Maritim.

He noted that land, as defined under the Constitution of Kenya, encompasses the surface of the earth, subsurface resources, water bodies, marine areas, natural resources and airspace, making surveying and geospatial engineering indispensable to Kenya’s development agenda. 

The Chairman further explained that while the Commission for University Education (CUE) is mandated to accredit and assure the quality of university programmes, the Land Surveyors’ Board is responsible for recognizing programmes for professional registration and licensing, regulating professional practice and safeguarding public interest.

He called for closer collaboration between universities, regulators and industry to ensure students are adequately supported from admission through to professional registration.

The Director of Surveys underscored the growing importance of geospatial technologies in driving national transformation.

“Surveying is no longer confined to measuring boundaries. Today, geospatial information powers infrastructure development, digital land administration, disaster preparedness, environmental management and climate resilience.

"As technology continues to evolve, our universities must produce graduates who are innovative, globally competitive and equipped with practical skills to solve real national challenges,” he said.

Representing the participating universities, Dr. Malachi Odongo of the Technical University of Kenya welcomed the consultative approach adopted by the Board, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening professional education.

“Curriculum development cannot happen in isolation. Continuous engagement between academia, regulators and industry ensures that graduates possess competencies that meet professional standards while responding to emerging technologies and the evolving needs of society,” he said.

Among the key resolutions was the need to harmonise the naming of Surveying, Geomatics Engineering and Geospatial Engineering programmes across universities.

The proposed association will submit recommendations within three months for consideration by the Board as part of the ongoing legal and policy reforms.