Kenya Landscape Architects Chapter - March Highlights

In March, the Landscape Architects Chapter of Kenya demonstrated strong leadership and professional stewardship in response to the devastating flooding events that occurred between the 6th and 8th of March, 2026. In a timely and evidence-based statement, the Chapter presented an Urban Flood Resilience Plan for Nairobi, calling for a paradigm shift toward integrated spatial planning, nature-based solutions, and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Chapter’s response framed the flooding not merely as an infrastructure failure, but as a profound human tragedy, one that disrupted homes, livelihoods, and entire communities. This perspective underscored a shared responsibility among government, professionals, and citizens to plan, design, and manage cities in ways that reduce risk and safeguard lives.

Key themes articulated in the resilience plan included:

• The intersection of climate change and escalating urban flood risk

• The urgent need to rethink conventional drainage systems

• Strategies for managing urban runoff within rapidly developing areas

• Adoption of the sponge city approach and floodable landscape design

• The critical role of neighborhood-scale planning

• Leveraging GIS and spatial technologies for informed decision-making

• The responsibility of built environment professionals in shaping resilient futures

• Actionable policy recommendations to guide implementation

You can read the full plan here.

March also marked a significant milestone for the profession in Kenya, with the successful administration of the Landscape Architects Chapter Corporate Examinations on the 5th and 6th. This inaugural sitting represents a major step forward in strengthening professional accreditation, standardisation, and the continued growth of the discipline in the country.

Beyond its response to the floods, the Chapter is advancing several strategic initiatives.  Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Chapter Convention. In addition, the Chapter has commenced the development of the Kenyan Edition of the Landscape Architecture Practice Guidelines, a joint collaborative effort with the State Department for Public Works, aimed at providing context-specific professional standards and guidance for practice in Kenya.

In the policy arena, the Chapter has submitted a formal petition to Parliament regarding the Architect’s Bill, addressing concerns over jurisdictional overlap with other established professions within the built environment sector, please interact with the post on twitter here.

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