Keshav Padaruth: The youngest ever Chartered Surveyor in Africa

Keshav Padaruth is a rising star in the field of construction. He has recently been recognised as the youngest Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Africa. Several newspapers in Africa praise his feat.

31-year old Keshav Padaruth is a young man filled with joy and passion. Senior Quantity Surveyor at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, he does not hide his joy at being the youngest Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Africa and at the same time, one of the youngest in the world. “It’s a first. I am surprised the way African countries are giving high importance to it. I am very pleased with this achievement. But unfortunately, in Mauritius, not much is being done,” he says.

Impressively, this is not the first achievement of the young man as at the age of 29. He became one of the youngest Chartered Quantity Surveyors (QS) in Mauritius and the first ever Registrar of the Professional Quantity Surveyors’ Council.

Additionally, Keshav is the Vice-President of RICS Mauritius. After graduating from the Royal College of Curepipe, he flew to the United Kingdom for his university studies in Quantity Surveying at the University of Reading. He also holds a specialisation in project management and a diploma in labour laws. Quantity Surveying was not his dream job but he has shown determination and passion throughout his journey.

“ I believe that it is easy to be satisfied with what already exists but sometimes, we must also work hard to attain our goal. I wanted to achieve everything on my own."

“After college, I did not know what to do. My relatives advised me to go ahead with Quantity Surveying. This field was not so well known at that time, but people in the construction industry already knew that in the near future, Mauritius will need such professionals. So, I took my destiny in my hand. At first, I did not even know what Quantity Surveying was. But as my studies progressed, my knowledge increased and I felt better in the skin of a QS,” he reveals.

Initiator of different projects

In this small journey of his, the dynamic young man initiated several projects at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. He is the Registrar of the Professional Quantity Surveyors’ Council. He ensures the day-to-day operation and administration of the Council. He also acts as secretary and treasurer of the Council. In addition, the young Quantity Surveyor is also trainer in the field recognised by the Mauritius Qualifications Authority (MQA). He has worked on several government projects. He participated as a Project Quantity Surveyor for the development of new procedures for electronic tenders for government e-Procurement System (e-PS) jobs. This project was for the government’s new Quantity Surveyors Building. Adding another feather to achievement, the young man is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

“ At first, I did not even know what Quantity Surveying was. But as my studies progressed, my knowledge increased and I felt better in the skin of a QS."

Creating his own identity 

Keshav Padaruth is a self-made man. Despite his father being the director of GIBB construction company, he chose to build his unique image in the world of construction. “People often ask me about my decision not to join my father. But I wanted to climb the ladder with my own abilities and perseverance. I believe that it is easy to be satisfied with what already exists but sometimes, we must also work hard to attain our goal. I wanted to achieve everything on my own. My father and family are always by my side to advise and guide me,” he avers.

Passionate about the sea

Keshav believes it is important to strike a work-life balance. “I always find time for my family and friends. It is with dexterity that I deal with my professional, social and private lives. I think we have to get out of the routine. I like to go to the beach once a week. I also practice sports such as badminton and squash. Practicing sports gives me a lot of energy,” he confides.