The East Africa Institute of Architects (EAIA) was established in 1913 to promote excellence in the education and practice of architecture in the East African region. The Institute draws membership from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, and plans to extend this membership in the expanded East African Community and beyond. The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) facilitates seamless cross-border practice, enhancing professional mobility and standards across East Africa.
Member States
Total Seats
Excellence in Education and Practice of Architecture in the East Africa region.
To promote knowledge sharing and collaboration concerning built and natural environment issues.
Meet our leaders who guide and navigate the institution.
A distinguished and accomplished architect with an immense interest in Urban Mobility and the History of Architecture. He runs an architectural practice – Cubes and Beyond Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya, and is a lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
President
Is a formidable expert in the architectural world. With over 46 years of experience in the Architectural field having experience working in 4 continents (ASIA AFRICA UK &USA). He is interested in micromobility, conservation, heritage and history of architecture. Furthermore, Arch T’Chawi is humble and focused, raising the bar for all ambitious Architect and a source of guidance to the East African Institute of Architect.
1st Vice President
Arch. Emmanuel Nyirinkindi is a lead architect at PHD Studio ltd, second vice-President of the EAIA, Registrar of the Rwanda Institute of Architects, and academician. His work focuses on innovative, community-centered designs that improve living conditions and promote sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on practical solutions for vulnerable communities.
2nd Vice President
Registered Architect with the Board of Registration of Architects & Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) in Kenya, working on extensive projects across sectors and scales with serial award winning architectural and land use practitioners – Planning Systems Services Limited in Nairobi, and was previously engaged with satellite city developers Tatu City Limited, in Kenya.Jacqueline Kairu currently serves as Chairperson (2025 -2027) of the Architects Chapter - Architectural Association of Kenya.
Secretary General
Brendah Gitonga the Honorary Treasurer is trustworthy, efficient, positively money minded and able to make the best budget. Being a mother has taught her to embrace her nurturing side and push forward calculative. This astute nature makes her the right person to over accounts and financial transaction.
Honorary Treasurer
There are currently 4 members and 2 potential members.
TanzaniaOrganisation: AAT
Founded: 1982
Details: AAT is Tanzania’s largest family of Architects with 566 members, supporting CPD, networking, and international collaborations.
KenyaOrganisation: AAK
Founded: 1967
Details: Kenya’s leading built environment association. Located at Blue Violets Plaza, Nairobi. Contact via WhatsApp: 0721691337 or aak@aak.or.ke
UgandaOrganisation: USA
Details: Represents architects in Uganda, fostering intellectual, cultural, and professional unity across the industry.
RwandaOrganisation: RIA
Founded: 2012
Details: RIA regulates and promotes architectural values and ethics, fostering good practices among practitioners and designers.
Join our prestigious organization, dedicated to advancing the architectural profession across East Africa. As a member, your architects will benefit from enhanced professional standards, cross-border recognition, and collaborative opportunities. Together, we can foster innovation, uphold excellence, and drive sustainable development in the built environment. Join EAIA and be part of a united effort to elevate architecture in East Africa.Reach out to us today join and enjoy community benefits.
