Valuers Registration Board (VRB) vs Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK): Roles, Mandates, and Key Differences

Valuers Registration Board (VRB) vs Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK): Roles, Mandates, and Key Differences

In Kenya’s real estate and valuation landscape, two key institutions play central roles in maintaining standards and professionalism — the Valuers Registration Board (VRB) and the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK).

While both work closely to ensure quality valuation, ethical land management, and property consultancy, their mandates, formation, and functions differ significantly.

This article explains their distinct roles, registration processes, and answers the most frequently asked questions by property owners, investors, and aspiring valuers.

Valuers Registration Board (VRB)

The Valuers Registration Board is a statutory regulatory body established under the Valuers Act, Cap 532 of the Laws of Kenya.

It is mandated to register, license, and regulate professional valuers to ensure that property valuation in Kenya is conducted with integrity, accuracy, and in compliance with professional standards.

Formation and Legal Framework

• Legal Instrument: Valuers Act (Cap 532, Laws of Kenya)

• Established: 1985

• Supervised by: Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development

• Location: Ardhi House, 1st Ngong Avenue, Nairobi

• Website: www.vrb.or.ke 

Core Mandate and Functions

1. Register and license qualified valuers in Kenya.

2. Issue and renew annual practising certificates.

3. Maintain an official Register of Valuers.

4. Regulate and standardize valuation fees and scales.

5. Enforce professional ethics and investigate misconduct.

6. Ensure that all valuations used for loans, taxation, insurance, or property transfer are done by licensed valuers.

7. Collaborate with ISK and government agencies on professional standards.

8. Protect the public from unqualified practitioners.

Registration Process for Valuers in Kenya

To be registered by VRB:

1. Hold a degree or diploma in Land Economics/Real Estate or Valuation.

2. Be a Full Member of ISK (Valuation Chapter).

3. Complete the prescribed Form II application.

4. Pay the required registration and licensing fees.

5. Obtain a Practising Certificate, renewable annually.

Disciplinary Role

Under the Valuers Act (Sections 15–17), VRB has authority to:

• Suspend or cancel practising certificates.

• Remove names from the register.

• Impose penalties for misconduct.

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK)

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) is the professional association representing surveyors, valuers, estate agents, and other land professionals in Kenya.

Unlike VRB, which regulates, ISK focuses on professional development, training, and advocacy for its members.

Formation and Legal Framework

• Formed: April 1969

• Registered: Under the Societies Act, Cap 108

• Head Office: Reinsurance Plaza, 10th Floor, Aga Khan Walk, Nairobi

• Website: www.isk.or.ke

Core Mandate and Objectives

1. Advance the science and practice of surveying and valuation.

2. Promote ethical conduct and professionalism.

3. Offer Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training.

4. Represent members’ interests in national and international forums.

5. Foster research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

6. Support sustainable land use and development.

7. Advocate for fair and transparent property practices.

Membership Categories

• Student Member

• Affiliate Member

• Technical Member

• Graduate Member

• Full Member

• Fellow Member

ISK Professional Chapters

1. Valuation & Estate Management

2. Land Surveying

3. Building Surveying

4. Property Management

5. Land Administration

6. Geospatial Information Management

7. Real Estate Agency

Key Differences Between VRB and ISK

FAQs – Valuers Registration Board (VRB)

1. What is VRB?
   It’s the government body that registers and licenses valuers in Kenya.

2. Who regulates valuers in Kenya?
   The Valuers Registration Board (VRB).

3. Where is VRB located?
   Ardhi House, 1st Ngong Avenue, Nairobi.

4. Who must register with VRB?
   Anyone offering property valuation services professionally.

5. What law governs VRB?
   The Valuers Act, Cap 532.

6. Is registration mandatory?
   Yes — practising without a VRB certificate is illegal.

7. What qualifications are needed?
   A degree in Land Economics or Valuation, plus ISK membership.

8. What is a practising certificate?
   A renewable annual license to practice valuation legally.

9. How can I check if a valuer is licensed?
   Visit vrb.or.ke for the official register.

10. Can a valuer lose their license?
    Yes — for misconduct or negligence.

11. What is the VRB scale of fees?
    Standard fees for valuation services in Kenya.

12. How long does registration take?
    Around 30–60 days.

13. Does VRB handle complaints?
    Yes. Public complaints against valuers are handled officially.

14. Can companies register with VRB?
    Only individuals can — but firms must have licensed valuers.

15. What’s the difference between VRB and ISK?
    VRB licenses; ISK trains and represents professionals.

FAQs – Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK)

1. What is ISK?
   The main professional body for surveyors and valuers in Kenya.

2. When was ISK formed?
   1969.

3. Where is ISK located?
   Reinsurance Plaza, 10th Floor, Aga Khan Walk, Nairobi.

4. Is ISK a government body?
   No. It’s a professional membership society.

5. How can I join ISK?
   Apply online via isk.or.ke.

6. Who qualifies for ISK membership?
   Professionals in land surveying, valuation, property management, or related fields.

7. Does ISK regulate valuers?
   No — that’s VRB’s role. ISK handles professional development.

8. What are ISK’s professional chapters?
   Valuation, Surveying, Property Management, GIS, and more.

9. Is ISK membership required for VRB registration?
   Yes — ISK membership (Valuation Chapter) is a prerequisite.

10. Does ISK offer exams?
    Yes — the ISK Professional Membership Examination.

11. What is CPD in ISK?
    Continuous Professional Development — mandatory training sessions.

12. Does ISK have international affiliations?
    Yes — it collaborates with global professional institutions.

13. How much are membership fees?
    Varies by category (Student, Graduate, Full Member, etc.).

14. Can foreign professionals join ISK?
    Yes — as associate or honorary members.

15. How does ISK promote professionalism?
    Through training, ethics, advocacy, and peer regulation.

Why It Matters for Real Estate Professionals

Firms and professionals must adherence to VRB and ISK standards to ensure:

• Credibility and legal compliance.

• Access to professional networks and training.

• Public trust and client confidence.

• Eligibility for valuation, property management, and consultancy assignments.