ACMK Statement On Increase of Registration And Approval Fee by NEMA

The Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK) strongly condemns the unilateral and non-consultative manner in which the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has introduced new, sharply increased Project Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) fees, Expert registration fees, annual practicing fees and annual audit fees. The revised charges, gazetted under the Kenya Subsidiary Legislation 2024, and published on 17th February 2025, represent a troubling shift in Kenya's environmental governance that threatens to cripple the already struggling built environment sector, particularly for small- and medium-scale developers and professionals.

Such an abrupt and unilaterally implemented fee structure risks undermining Kenya's built environment sector by increasing project costs, discouraging compliance, and marginalizing small- and medium-sized developers and professionals. ACMK reiterates that regulation should support development, not suffocate it. We therefore make the following calls:

• 1. Immediate Suspension of EIA and Licensing Fee Increases - NEMA must suspend the enforcement of the new environmental fee with immediate effect.
• 2. Comprehensive Stakeholder Consultation - The Ministry of Environment and NEMA must urgently initiate an inclusive dialogue with professional bodies, developers, and environmental experts to co-create a fair, risk-based, and sustainable regulatory framework.
• 3. Institutional Accountability - Government agencies must be held to higher standards of governance. We urge Parliament and oversight institutions to scrutinize the processes that led to the revised assessment and expert licensing fees and to ensure corrective action where necessary.
• 4. Protection of Local Industry - Excessive regulatory costs discourage local participation and capacity development. Policies should instead nurture innovation, professionalism, and sustainable growth in Kenya's construction and environmental sectors.

ACMK reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with regulators, developers, and government to ensure that Kenya's built environment evolves in a way that is sustainable, equitable and economically viable. However, we will not hesitate to speak out or take further action where processes are flawed, unjust or harmful to the sectors we represent.

By.
Ephraim Kakui, PMP,
Chairman,
The Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK)