The professional excellence of surveyors was in the limelight on Thursday night as the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) on that evening organized the annual Professional Excellence Awards and Gala Dinner event, which took place at the Mövenpick Hotel in the City of Nairobi.
The glittering event recognized success within the sector while acting as a forum where government leaders rallied for increased cooperation and integrity in the running of public resources in Kenya.
Guest of Honour, Hon. Joel Arumonyang,Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Works, commended ISK members for playing a pivotal role in developing the country, saying that the professionalism of surveyors has a direct impact on the construction of infrastructure, urban planning, and land management.
“Tonight, we are celebrating neither the success of individuals alone, but the combined efforts of surveyors, valuers, estate agents, engineers, planners, and young people who make up the majority of the land development sector in Kenya,” Arumanyang said.
Emphasizing the importance of the profession, he said that accurate surveying and valuation are fundamental to land management, affordable housing schemes, and the finances of counties.
Surveyors Professional Excellence & The Need for Integrity
The theme echoed by the government message came from the National Treasury, with Cabinet Secretary Hon. John Mbadi, speaking through Jothan Mwai, emphasizing integrity when managing government wealth.
The Treasury states that the land and property infrastructure in Kenya is a significant national asset, making it necessary for professional excellence in surveying to ensure that these are documented, protected, and optimized.
“The profession is called upon to maintain integrity, especially when it comes to procuring ownership documents such as titles for such institutions,” read the statement.
The Treasury has warned that a lack of documentation makes the public institution vulnerable to fraud, encroachment, and disputes, challenges which can be averted with adequate professional supervision.
ISK President Eric Nyadimo called the gala “more than a celebration,” reflecting the journeys that have led to the dedication evident in the work of this particular sector.
“This is an evening that acknowledges the unseen work that has gone on that helps make the impact of our sector,” said Nyadimo.
On a different note, ISK Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Kibet Arap Biwott, advised his members to use their influence not only in terms of professional competence but also in how they communicate.
The ISK chief argued that the professional excellence of surveyors should be reflected in the way the sector informs national dialogue.
“Progress is what is most important. Wherever your location, so long as it is progressive, that is a plus,” Biwott clarified, encouraging the members to make a change in perceptions by taking part in development talks.
The evening ended with the celebration of the best professionals in different sectors such as Valuation, Land Surveying, as well as Geospatial Information Management, who continue to make contributions that define the physical, economic, and socio-political setting within the Republic of Kenya.
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