Jobs for BSc Quantity Surveying Graduates

Managing the cost of construction

Quantity surveyors measure, price and control the cost of construction projects, from preparing bills of quantities and tender documents to valuing work done, managing variations and settling final accounts. The BSc in Quantity Surveying (sometimes called Construction Economics) is offered by several Kenyan universities. It is a good fit for people who like numbers, detail and the construction industry but prefer not to be purely on site.

Registration

Quantity surveyors in Kenya are registered by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act. Registration requires an accredited degree, practical experience and a professional examination, and only registered QSs can practise in their own name. The Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) is the professional association, offering membership, training and networking.

Where QSs work

• Consulting quantity surveying firms working for developers, banks and government
• Contractors, as estimators and commercial or contracts managers
• Real estate developers, banks and insurers assessing project costs and valuations
• Public bodies such as county works departments, state corporations and the Ministry of Public Works

Entry requirements

Places are allocated through KUCCPS with a minimum C+ mean grade and good grades in Mathematics and sciences. Check that the programme is recognised by BORAQS before enrolling.

Skills that get you hired

Employers expect strong measurement skills, familiarity with the standard methods of measurement, competence in Excel and estimating or cost management software, and an understanding of construction contracts such as the forms commonly used in Kenya. Site experience helps you price realistically, so take any chance to work on site during attachment. Being able to read drawings quickly is essential.

Career path

Graduates start as assistant quantity surveyors, progressing to quantity surveyor, senior QS and associate or partner in consultancies, or to commercial manager in contracting firms. Registration with BORAQS is the main milestone. Some QSs move into project management, real estate development or construction arbitration, often after further study.