Compiled from: Mathu and Gichuiri Associates Ltd www.mathuandgichuiri.com
Challenges faced by Quantity Surveyors in Kenya Construction projects in Kenya have been surrounded with numerous problems, basically because of lack of proper consultations in that field. It is right to say that some of the tragedies we have seen in the recent past could be avoided if the contractors used the services of quantity surveyors as they planned their projects. But then again, employment opportunities for quantity surveyors in Kenya seem to be dwindling as there is lack of diversification in quantity surveying services as well as a strict or restrictive legal system. In order to build up an efficient construction industry, a quantity surveyor plays a crucial part. Their engagement is a step forward to victory as they are able to bring in their vast knowledge and skills in the construction industry. Quantity surveyors in Kenya however, face a number of problems in their daily activities. Some of these challenges include:
Lack of interpersonal skills
The major challenge for most professionals and surveyors included is interpersonal skills or lack of it. Apart from the qualification as a quantity surveyor in Kenya, another skill that someone requires is interpersonal skills. This is because as a quantity surveyor, you will be working on projects as a team, with people who have other professional qualifications. You have to be able to interact in a mature and professional manner with other experts in order to achieve the goals of the project at hand. You need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively for the project to run smoothly.
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Lack of identity
In a bid to establish a way forward for quantity surveyors in Kenya, the one major challenge that quantity surveyors face is lack of identity. It seems like a hard task trying to give a definition of what a quantity surveyor is and what they do, their importance and the role they play in construction. More so is the fact that, lack of identity is not only a problem in Kenya but in other countries as well. Quantity surveying is a profession that has developed independently according to the different jurisdictions that is why a qualified quantity surveyor in one country might be less qualified in another.
Lack of professional development
It is always important to have refresher courses every once in a while in order to be effective. Apart from refresher courses, there is need for advancement of education every chance you get. Quantity
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surveyors in Kenya need to keep advancing their education regarding surveying in order to stay relevant in the market.
Societal changes
The internet has brought so much with it today that people do not find any reason to contact a physical professional while the internet is always ready with information. With the readily available information, it becomes a challenge for quantity surveyors to get projects because people already have the information they need from the internet. This has gradually eroded the traditional status of the quantity surveying professional in Kenya.
Lack of employment opportunities
Just like any other profession, quantity surveyors in Kenya also face the challenge of few chances in the employment industry. Most people who have qualified for quantity surveying lack chances to showcase their knowledge and skills. Few people are willing to employ them and contractors are also willing to work without quantity surveyors as they deem it unnecessary and costly.
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Maintaining knowledge
This challenge is common to most professions and surveying is no exception. Having the ability to maintain the knowledge, skills and professional practice in the surveying world becomes a challenge because the world today experiences a rapid change each day. It becomes difficult to deliver a professional service when one is not up to date with the appropriate and mostly new technology to solve a problem. Adapting and catching up with the new technology and inventions become difficult because technology changes every day.
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