Change of guard at AAK as second woman President elected in a row

Arch.Mugure Njendu, the new Architectural Association of Kenya(AAK). She was elected on March 28,2019 becoming the second woman in a row to be elected AAK President after Arch.Emma Miloyo. (Courtesy)

Architects last week elected Mugure Njendu as the new president of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).

She replaces Emma Miloyo, who held the position for two years, from 2017 to 2018.

Njendu is the director of Gitutho Architects and Planners and Little Einstens East Africa. She has master’s from Town and Suburb Planing University of Miami and a bachelor’s degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

She will be deputised by Wilson Mugambi, while Alex Nyagah and Marylyn Musyimi will be honorary secretaries.

Olivia Otieno was elected honorary treasurer and will be assisted by John Mwaniki.

Speaking at the AAK gala dinner in Nairobi on Thursday evening, Njendu said she would ensure the association flourishes and remains vibrant.

On her part, Miloyo said during her tenure, the leadership committed to three things, namely making AAK sustainable, adding value and services to members, which they achieved.

“You can all agree that we are now putting out relevant research, data-driven advocacy to ensure that counties are serving us well and the national government is listening to us as local consultants. On the other hand, we have increased revenue by almost 20 per cent and now we have new revenue streams, research being one of them,” said Miloyo.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who was the chief guest, encouraged professionals in the built environment to consider offering their services in the counties to encourage development. “Do not just concentrate on offering your services in cities of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu because they pay well, devolve your services to the counties even if it’s at half price or give back to the society through volunteering...,” he said.

The association also launched the AAK BuildHub, which is envisioned to be a one-stop shop for built environment professionals as well as the public. The hub will help seal loopholes for corruption since all information will be accessible to all.