- University of Nairobi scholar attains a historic first for the profession in Kenya.
- Prof. Isabella Njeri becomes the country’s first female Professor of Quantity Surveying.
- The milestone is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in the built environment sector.
The University of Nairobi (UoN) has joined the construction and higher education fraternity in celebrating a historic academic milestone after Prof. Isabella Njeri Wachira-Towey, a faculty member at the university, became Kenya’s first female Professor of Quantity Surveying.
Prof. Njeri is attached to the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of the Built Environment and Design, Department of Real Estate, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, where she has taught, conducted research and contributed to the growth of the profession for many years.
In a message shared on its official Facebook page, the University of Nairobi congratulated the scholar on her achievement, describing it as a landmark moment for the profession and higher education in Kenya.
“The University of Nairobi would like to join the other stakeholders in congratulating Prof. Isabella Njeri, in her achievement as the First Female Professor in Quantity Surveying in Kenya in 2026.”
The university further called upon the public and stakeholders to celebrate the accomplishment, noting that Prof. Njeri had made history in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Her elevation to the rank of professor marks a significant breakthrough for women in the built environment professions and serves as an inspiration to young women pursuing careers in construction, engineering, architecture, real estate and project management.
A milestone for the construction industry
Quantity Surveying is one of the key professions within the construction industry. Quantity surveyors are responsible for cost planning, procurement, contract administration, financial management and cost control of construction projects from inception to completion.
The profession plays a critical role in ensuring that construction projects are delivered within budget while maintaining quality and value for money. Quantity surveyors work closely with architects, engineers, project managers, contractors and clients to manage project costs and contractual obligations.
In Kenya, the profession is regulated by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (QSRB) and has become increasingly important as the country invests heavily in infrastructure, housing, transportation and urban development projects.
The University of Nairobi has been one of the leading institutions offering training in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, producing professionals who have gone on to serve in both the public and private sectors.
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As Kenya continues to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), Prof. Njeri’s achievement provides a powerful example of what can be accomplished through dedication, scholarship and professional excellence.
By Joseph Mambili
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