Unemployed graduates may abound in some areas, but for land economists a job is close to guaranteed, sometimes even before graduation, as they continue to be snapped up into jobs as valuers and property managers following the four-fold expansion in the property market.

For individuals and firms needing valuation services, there are enough firms in the country to have the work done, says the industry. But, the high demand for valuers means real estate and valuation firms are having to offer ever more competitive packages to attract and retain qualified valuers.

“The Government is now drawing more Valuers from the private sector than before,” said an official of Institution of Surveyors Kenya. This has made the profession even more marketable, with the Government fighting for valuers with the private sector.

“A Valuer with 10 years experience can easily earn Sh200,000 a month, although most of them prefer starting their own firms,” said Isaac Wirunda, a property valuer with NWrealite.

Most valuers have a Bachelor’s degree in Land Economics - a four year course currently only offered by the University of Nairobi (UoN). According to Dr Swazuri Mohammed, the Chairman of Real Estate and Construction department, UoN, 36 students graduated with a degree in Land Economics last academic year.

“The demand (for valuers) is so high, that some of the students get jobs before they graduate,” he said.

Says Wirunda, being a valuer requires analytical skills on every job assignment: “the ability to make sound logical arguments and justify decisions made is important in our career.”

Wirunda’s work involves determining the market price of a property. The Valuer visits the site after doing background research, and is expected to be able to value every type of property, from commercial buildings, residential houses and hotels, to facilities such as hospitals.

Valuers look out for key indicators to determine the value of a property. “Location, location, location,” said Wirunda, echoing the real estate mantra. But valuers also look at the construction details, the design of the building and area development in arriving at a value.

“It is helpful if photos of the property are taken and included in the final evaluation report prepared by the valuer,” added Wirunda

The profession is regulated by the Institution of Surveyors, which ensures professional competency and laid down standards are adhered to. And the process of being a fully qualified and certified real estate Valuer is neither easy nor fast.

Graduates work under a registered valuer as interns, and later as employees for a period of two – three years. After this period, they can apply to sit for a professional examination administered by the Institution. Upon passing the exam, a Valuer applies for a license to practice as an independent Valuer. But the license is only granted after a vigorous interview before a council appointed by the Institution of Surveyors.

Graduates can chose to venture into any of the four related professions; land registers, land administrators, property managers or building surveyors. Land registers and administrators are usually absorbed by the Ministry of Lands.

For those who choose to go in the private sector, the starting salary is between Sh35,000 and 45,000, depending on the negotiation skills of the intern and the firms policy.

The profession is not without its challenges, chief being the lack of current land records which are maintained by the Ministry of lands. Some maps have not been revised since 1963. Valuers may occasionally encounter hostile property owners whose property is up for auction. The Valuer has to assess the property before it is auctioned, and this means visiting the property.

For those interested in pursuing estate management and valuation, Wirunda says a keen eye for detail is important in the job.  

“Intra and inter personal communication is also very important, as is the ability to grasp mathematical calculations,” says the young Valuer. 

UoN’s Land Economics course requires a minimum of C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), and C+ in the key subjects of languages, mathematics and sciences.

Collepoa.com