Kenya's Push for Certified Project Managers: A Step Towards Sustainable Development

Kenya is taking bold steps to professionalize project management by proposing a law that mandates certification for all project managers. Spearheaded by the Project Managers Institute (PMI) Kenya Chapter, this move aims to curb the proliferation of unqualified professionals - commonly referred to as 'quacks' - whose involvement has led to stalled projects, economic losses, and safety concerns.

The proposed law, which is set to be presented to Parliament next year, is a significant milestone toward ensuring efficiency, accountability, and transparency in project delivery.

Why Certification is Crucial for Kenya's Development

To understand the impact of poor project management, let's explore some key statistics:

The Cost of Poor Project Management

The chart below illustrates the financial losses in project management across Africa due to ineffective delivery:

Proposed Bill Objectives

1. The legislation focuses on three main pillars:

2. Public Protection: Safeguarding stakeholders from substandard projects managed by unqualified individuals.

3. Enhancing National Capacity: Recognizing certified project managers as key players in executing government-funded initiatives.

4. Promoting Accountability: Ensuring resource efficiency through ethical and professional practices.

The Way Forward

Kenya's project management industry stands at a crossroads. With over Ksh. 1.8 trillion at stake in stalled projects, the certification law is not just a regulatory measure but a necessity.

This legislation is a call to action for policymakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders to rally behind the initiative, paving the way for a future where every project delivers real value.