My first Publication yearbook 2 | Page 5

FOREWORD By Chairman Abraham Samoei I t is a privilege to be the chairman of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) at this great time because achieving 50 years of service to our members, our country and peo- ple is by all means not a trivial achievement but one to be graciously proud of. It is also an opportunity to momentarily look back and chart the future years of ISK. A look back at the 50 years denotes a lot of courage and sacrifice from our members, former chairmen and members of the council. The image and influence of the institution have been on the ascent, enabling it to play vital roles in the crafting and passing of land laws in Kenya. The land laws were foundational in the enactment of the new Kenyan constitution in 2010. The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has grown tremendously from the 44 founding We have also been working hand in hand members in 1969 to over 3,500 active members with both County and National governments, today whose interest it serves. advising them on various issues concerning land. Our recognition has also seen us have a The main aim of forming the institution was great impact on the formation of the National to have an umbrella body that streamlined Land Commission, the body mandated by the land profession and united all players in the government to oversee the management the industry, to promote ethical performance of public land for the National and County among members for the benefit of the Governments. The partnerships have proved public, and to contribute to development of mutually satisfactory and have helped establish international and national policies and legal strong bonds between the institutions. frameworks in land management in order to facilitate sustainable development. Many Half a century of dedicated public service by faculty members have come and gone, but the many chairmen before me have contributed ISK’s noble objectives have remained a beacon to the growth and improvement of land for others to follow. management in Kenya. They have also worked tirelessly to uplift the stature and image of the Our primary role as an institution is to serve organization in the national and international the interest of the members. The Institution map. With many short terms and long-term also serves the general public in creating initiatives, ISK has grown from a small office awareness of land laws and policy. at Uniafric House to the Reinsurance plaza along Agha Khan Walk. We have also gone We have been able to brick by brick create a from employing one employee in the ’70s to 11 solid organization that upholds the profession permanent employees at the moment. by enhancing discipline while advising and setting codes of ethics that have gone a Additionally, ISK has been able to formulate long way in setting standards of the land partnerships with various NGOs and private management practice. sector organizations, which have seen the 5