IDAK membership is not one-size-fits-all. The association lists six categories for different stages of practice and parts of Kenya's interior design ecosystem. Use the descriptions below as a starting point, then check the live IDAK Membership page for current eligibility, fees, evidence requirements, and terms.
Joining and renewal fees currently listed
As displayed on IDAK's public Membership page on 2 November 2026, the fees are:
- Student: KSh 2,000 joining; KSh 1,500 renewal.
- Graduate: KSh 4,000 joining; KSh 3,000 renewal.
- Professional: KSh 6,000 joining; KSh 5,000 renewal.
- Non-Citizen: KSh 12,000 joining; KSh 10,000 renewal.
- Corporate: KSh 35,000 joining; KSh 30,000 renewal.
- Industry: KSh 65,000 joining; KSh 60,000 renewal.
Fees can be updated. Confirm the amount shown on the live Membership page or in your account before making payment.
Student membership
This category is for people currently studying interior design at a recognised institution in Kenya. It is intended for someone still enrolled, rather than someone who has already completed their course. Keep current enrolment information ready if the application asks for proof.
Graduate membership
The graduate category is for recent interior design graduates within the period shown on the current IDAK plan. It can be a relevant route while you are building experience, project examples, and professional connections after finishing your studies.
Professional membership
This category is for practising interior designers whose experience meets IDAK's current criteria. Prepare an accurate account of your qualifications and practice history. If your experience does not clearly match the published description, ask the secretariat before applying.
Non-citizen membership
IDAK lists a category for practising designers who are not Kenyan citizens or who are based outside Kenya but wish to engage with the Kenyan design industry. Confirm the current eligibility and supporting documents directly with IDAK.
Corporate membership
This category is aimed at design firms, studios, and consultancies. The account should represent the business accurately and include the registration or company information requested in the application.
Industry membership
Suppliers, manufacturers, and trade partners are examples of industry participants listed by IDAK. A supplier or brand should choose this category only if its work fits the current plan description.
How to decide
Choose based on your present status, not the title you hope to use later. Check whether the category is for an individual or an organization, what evidence is needed, and which benefits are actually listed today. Do not assume that one membership category automatically grants a professional licence, statutory registration, or a particular public credential.
A quick self-check can narrow the choice: Are you currently enrolled? You may want to review Student. Have you recently completed a recognised course? Read the Graduate conditions. Are you practising and able to show the experience IDAK asks for? Check Professional. Do you represent a registered design firm? Review Corporate. Do you supply products or services to the industry? Check Industry. If you are not a Kenyan citizen or practise from outside Kenya, read the Non-Citizen requirements. These are prompts for reviewing the published rules, not a substitute for IDAK's decision on eligibility.
The names of membership categories do not, on their own, describe legal authority or statutory registration. Read the terms that apply to your chosen category and ask the association if you need clarification before paying.
Once you have chosen, follow the steps in how to join IDAK. If you are still studying or recently graduated, see the separate guide to student and graduate membership.
What if two categories seem to fit?
Do not select the more senior-sounding category automatically. Send IDAK a short summary of your education, current practice, business structure, and the evidence you can provide. Ask the membership team which current category to select and retain its response with your application notes.
