Buying Land in Kenya? Experts Warn About Rising Cases of Fake Surveyors

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has warned that the growing number of unqualified individuals posing as surveyors and real estate professionals is putting lives, property and investments at risk.

The issue was a key focus at the inaugural Kenya Geospatial and Real Estate Conference in Mombasa, where industry leaders called for urgent reforms to protect the sector. ISK President Eric Nyadimo said weak enforcement and outdated laws have created loopholes that allow unlicensed practitioners to operate. He warned that these gaps have exposed Kenyans to fraudulent land transactions, unsafe construction projects and costly mistakes in property dealings.

“The sector is changing rapidly and there is a need to focus on ethics, risk management and capacity building to ensure professionals are properly equipped,” Nyadimo told delegates. 

He also called for closer collaboration with government agencies to review existing legislation, strengthen oversight and improve public confidence in the profession.

ISK further raised concerns about the persistent underfunding of regulatory bodies, saying limited resources have weakened efforts to address illegal practice.

According to Nyadimo, the funding constraints have also reduced ISK’s ability to support the Commission for University Education in setting and enforcing professional standards for surveyors. He said this has left the profession vulnerable to inadequately trained graduates and uncertified practitioners.

The institution also questioned the quality of training offered by some technical institutions. Officials said several colleges are running surveying programmes without adequate facilities, producing graduates who are not fully prepared for professional work. They warned that this has contributed to unemployment among young professionals, while some graduates have turned to practising without certification.

ISK has urged the TVET Authority and the Commission for University Education to strengthen accreditation requirements for institutions offering survey-related courses. The institution said colleges and universities should meet minimum standards before receiving approval to run such programmes. It argued that stricter oversight would help ensure graduates acquire the knowledge and practical skills needed for the profession.

Deputy President Nelly Mbugua, who addressed the conference, highlighted wider policy challenges affecting real estate development. She identified uncontrolled construction near rivers and wetlands as a major factor contributing to urban flooding and called for clearer policies and stronger enforcement of building regulations.

Delegates at the conference are also expected to discuss the implementation of the Sectional Properties Act, the legal status of riparian reserves and the role of surveyors in ensuring compliance with construction standards. The concerns raised by ISK come as the organisation pushes for stronger regulation, improved professional training and greater accountability within the surveying and real estate sectors. 

 

Industry leaders said effective oversight will be necessary to protect investments, maintain public trust and support sustainable development.