The Impact of Covid-19 on the Valuation Profession in Kenya

A Case Study of Nairobi County Valuers

Abstract

The paper examined the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on practicing valuers in Nairobi County, Kenya. The paper’s main objective was to analyse how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the valuation profession in Kenya, and in particular Nairobi County, from the viewpoint of the practicing valuers. An online questionnaire survey was used to collect information from practicing valuers in Nairobi County Kenya. The valuers were asked to indicate how the pandemic had affected them. The results show that the early stages of the pandemic that included lockdowns led to reduced valuation assignments. However, noteworthy is that the industry has improved over time. In addition, there was a noted change in how valuers communicate with their clients. The other processes remain unchanged, albeit with increased observation of Covid-19 control protocols, such as social distancing. The paper provides the most recent empirical data insight into the impact of Covid-19 on valuers in Kenya. The identified insights provide an important foundation upon which further work can be undertaken. The paper recommends that valuers should continue making use of technology in their work. In addition, it also recommends that professional bodies that represent valuers should lobby for much friendlier policies during disruptive events, such as Covid-19.