Wafula Nabutola  will be based in Nairobi, joining RICS at the end of August 2015.

The appointment comes as part of the broader RICS plan to expand its offering in Sub-Saharan Africa. Having identified the region as a huge area of opportunity where real estate and infrastructure investment is seeing phenomenal growth in a bid to meet the needs of a growing population, RICS is establishing offices in South Africa, Ghana and Kenya as three key markets for expansion. 

"I am delighted to welcome Wafula to the team,” says Mark Walley, managing director RICS, UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “His extensive connections across the built and natural environment and long membership and involvement with the Institute of Surveyors in Kenya make him a fantastic addition to the team who can spearhead our work across the continent.”

Nabutola, who currently runs his own consultancy business, has a wealth and depth of experience in the private and public sectors having worked in government, corporate, the non-governmental sector and private business over the past 30 years. He has held positions in general management operations, investment appraisals and banking as well as real estate development and asset management.

A member of the Institution of Surveyors in Kenya where he has held committee and chair positions, Nabutola is a former Chair of the Commission 8 of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and a trustee at Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA). He completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Land Economy at the University of Nairobi and a Master of Science (MSc) degree at Reading University in the United Kingdom.

 Says Nabutola: "I am excited at the prospect. This opportunity offers the platform that enables me to serve RICS, the public and society in a most fulfilling and meaningful way that no single company or institution – be it national, regional or continental - can ever match".

Last year RICS launched a research report on the real estate markets in key African economies, including South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania. ‘Unleashing Sub-Saharan Africa Property Markets’ highlights increased opportunities for professionals in Africa in the business, residential and retail property sectors.

The report also found there is a general shortage of skilled engineers, even when compared to countries such as Chile or Malaysia. The report illustrates how the region has many opportunities for growth, but also needs real capacity building across the built environment.