Participants who attented a consultative meeting at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies on harmonised surveying training framework on Thursday, July 2, 2026. /HANDOUT
The Land Surveyors’ Board and universities have agreed on sweeping reforms that will overhaul geospatial and surveying training to better prepare professionals for a rapidly evolving industry.
The proposed reforms include a harmonised framework for recognising and accrediting Surveying, Geomatics and Geospatial Engineering programmes, clear professional progression pathways for technicians, technologists and graduate professionals, and legal changes to align the profession with emerging technologies and industry needs.
The agreement was reached during a consultative meeting at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies on Thursday, where participants deliberated on the Board’s Draft Policy on Recognition and Accreditation of Surveying, Geomatics and Geospatial Engineering Programmes for purposes of registration and licensing.
A key outcome of the meeting was consensus on the need for a clear professional progression framework for technicians, technologists and graduate professionals.
Participants agreed that clearly defining professional categories within the surveying and geospatial sector would provide graduates with well-defined career pathways and responsibilities from the onset of their training.
Among the other resolutions was the need to harmonise the naming of Surveying, Geomatics Engineering and Geospatial Engineering programmes across universities.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Surveys and Land Surveyors’ Board chairman Maritim Weldon commended universities for their critical role in producing the next generation of geospatial professionals and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening engagement with institutions of higher learning.
He noted that the surveying profession today extends far beyond land subdivision, encompassing subsurface resources, water bodies, marine areas and airspace.
"Our responsibility is to ensure that graduates entering the profession possess the knowledge, skills and ethical standards required to serve the country effectively," Maritim said.
He 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 recognising programmes for professional registration and licensing, regulating professional practice and safeguarding public interest.
He called for closer engagement between universities, regulators and industry to ensure students are adequately supported from admission through to professional registration.
Maritim underscored the growing importance of geospatial technologies in driving national transformation, saying the consultative forum marked an important milestone in aligning academic training with industry needs.
"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.
He added that strong links between universities, regulators and practitioners will ensure graduates enter the profession with the competencies required to support Kenya's digital transformation and sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the participating universities, Malachi Odongo from the Technical University of Kenya welcomed the consultative approach adopted by the Board, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening professional education.
He said a harmonised framework for programme recognition and professional progression would enhance graduate mobility, strengthen public confidence and improve the global competitiveness of Kenya's geospatial professionals.
"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.
Participants also proposed establishing an Association of Surveying and Geospatial Engineering Chairpersons, bringing together heads of departments from universities offering surveying, geomatics and geospatial programmes.
The proposed association would promote continuous dialogue, curriculum harmonisation, research collaboration and stronger linkages between academia, industry and professional regulators.
It will submit recommendations to the Board within three months as part of the ongoing legal and policy reforms.
Universities also submitted recommendations that will be incorporated into the policy before its finalisation.
The institutions further recommended a review of the Survey Act to ensure it reflects global developments in surveying, geomatics and geospatial engineering practice, including advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drone mapping, satellite imagery, remote sensing and digital spatial technologies.
The Board also committed to pursuing the necessary legal and regulatory reforms to address existing gaps in training, registration and the professional progression framework.
The consultative meeting 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), Board members and the Secretariat.
Also present were Board secretary Kipkemoi Roy and representatives from the University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Taita Taveta University and Tom Mboya University.
The meeting comes at a time when Kenya is accelerating digital land administration through Ardhisasa, expanding infrastructure development, strengthening the National Spatial Data Infrastructure and increasingly relying on geospatial technologies to support climate resilience, environmental conservation, urban planning and disaster risk management.
These developments have heightened demand for highly skilled geospatial professionals equipped to meet emerging national priorities.
In his closing remarks, Maritim urged universities to embrace innovation and continuously review their curricula to remain responsive to emerging technologies and the changing needs of the profession.
"The future of surveying lies in innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. By working together, we will produce professionals capable of supporting Kenya's development aspirations while upholding the highest standards of professional excellence," he said.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with universities, the Commission for University Education, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, the Council of Governors and other stakeholders to strengthen professional education, improve graduate competence and build public confidence in Kenya's surveying and geospatial profession.
