Organized collaboratively by the department and Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), the trip aimed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice by exposing students to the challenges and opportunities present in informal urban settlements, while also fostering professional growth through interaction with regulatory and mentorship bodies.

Students from the Department of construction management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) recently took part in an enriching academic trip to Mukuru Housing Estate, followed by a mentorship and familiarization session at the BORAQS center.

Field Visit to Mukuru Housing Estate

The academic visit to Mukuru Estate offered the students a first-hand look into the dynamics of informal settlements, including urban planning constraints, housing challenges, and the impact of social development initiatives. Guided by community leaders and professionals involved in the ongoing Mukuru housing estate

Students had the opportunity to observe:

• a) Practical aspects of low-cost housing design and planning
• b) Community-driven development strategies
• c) Infrastructure and service provision in high-density areas
• d) Sustainable and participatory urban development approaches

This experiential learning opportunity allowed students to engage deeply with the social, economic, and environmental aspects shaping urban housing in Kenya.

Mentorship and Familiarization at BORAQS Center

Following the field tour, the students proceeded to the BORAQS centre for a mentorship session. The Board welcomed the students and provided insightful talks on professional registration, career development, and the roles of architects and quantity surveyors in shaping the built environment.

Key highlights of the session included:

• An overview of BORAQS functions and professional pathways
• Guidance on the registration process for architects and quantity surveyors
• Mentorship talks from practicing professionals on career growth, ethics, and innovation in the field
• Q&A session where students had the chance to interact directly with board members and mentors

Empowering the Next Generation of Professionals

The dual experience — from field-based learning in Mukuru to professional mentorship at BORAQS — reflects JKUAT’s commitment to holistic education. By combining academic instruction with exposure to real-world contexts and professional mentorship, the department continues to equip its students with both the technical skills and ethical grounding needed to thrive in the construction management and quantity surveying.

The Department of Construction management extends its appreciation to BORAQS for their support and dedication to nurturing future professionals. More such collaborative initiatives are planned to continue enhancing the learning journey for JKUAT students.