(Picture: Panel discussion on the future of quantity surveying in Rwanda after the new law comes into effect.)
Kigali, Rwanda – Quantity Surveyors (QS) in Rwanda are laying the groundwork for a transformative legislative shift as Parliament prepares to pass a landmark law governing the professions of architecture, engineering, and quantity surveying. The move aims to address systemic challenges in project execution, financial mismanagement, and delays, underscored by recent audits revealing significant taxpayer funds tied to stalled projects and idle assets.
Context and Legislative Progress
The QS profession, critical for cost estimation, procurement oversight, and value-for-money in construction projects, has operated in Rwanda since 2008 without legal recognition. This gap has contributed to inefficiencies, including delayed government projects and financial losses. A 2024 Auditor General’s report highlighted 66 stalled projects worth Rwf551.91 billion and 90 idle assets valued at Rwf15.86 billion across 22 institutions.
In November 2024, Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies approved a draft law to regulate the sector, granting legal status to QS professionals and their counterparts in architecture and engineering. The bill, now in parliamentary committee discussions, is expected to be enacted within two months.
Preparing for Professional Transformation
Ahead of the law’s passage, the Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Rwanda (RIQS), alongside the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA), Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), and the Association of Procurement Professionals, hosted a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training session on March 27. The event aimed to align QS professionals and students with emerging legal frameworks and ethical standards.
(Picture: QS Frederick Nyaminani, Vice-Chairman of RIQS, addressing attendees.)
QS Frederick Nyaminani, RIQS Vice-Chairman, emphasized accountability under the new law: “Our calculations must be independent and professional. We will be held responsible for the projects we handle, demanding a mindset shift toward precision and integrity.”
Stakeholder Perspectives
Vincent Ngarambe, RPPA E-Procurement Specialist and former Parliament Accounts Committee member, linked the legislation to improved project outcomes: “Legal recognition will curb mismanagement and abandoned projects by enforcing ethics and accountability. This law is pivotal for Rwanda’s procurement ecosystem.”
(Picture: Vincent Ngarambe speaking at the event.)
Students and professionals echoed optimism. Angelique Benita Ikirezi, a QS student at the University of Rwanda, noted, “These sessions bridge academic knowledge with real-world practice, empowering us to reshape the industry’s future.” Vedaste Irankunda, a practicing QS, added, “The law will secure our rightful role in projects, ending the era where non-professionals handled our responsibilities.”
Road Ahead
RIQS and RPPA plan additional training to align the sector with legal frameworks. Young professionals are urged to form generational chapters and learn from established bodies like the Rwanda Bar Association.
(Picture: Attendees gather for a group photo after the event.)
The event concluded with a panel discussion on the law’s implications, reinforcing collaboration among stakeholders to drive Rwanda’s infrastructure growth. As the country strides toward enhanced professionalism, the QS sector stands poised to become a cornerstone of sustainable development.
