The government has taken a firm stance against rogue builders by initiating a comprehensive review of the National Construction Authority (NCA) Act 2011. This move aims to curb the increasing cases of building collapses that have led to massive financial losses and loss of lives.
Between 2009 and 2019, Kenya witnessed the collapse of 86 buildings valued at more than Sh2.4 billion. These incidents resulted in over 200 fatalities and countless injuries, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reforms. The situation was particularly dire in 2015 when a record 21 buildings, either completed or under construction, collapsed.
A 2018 audit by the National Building Inspectorate, which assessed 14,895 buildings, revealed alarming statistics: 4.8% of the buildings were deemed very dangerous, 72.3% were classified as unsafe, 8.2% were in fair condition, and only 14.7% were categorized as safe. These findings underscored the rampant violations of construction standards and regulations.
Nairobi led in building collapses in 2019, recording 33 incidents, followed closely by Kiambu County. The high rate of substandard construction in these regions has prompted the government to tighten regulatory frameworks to prevent future tragedies.
Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome emphasized that the legislative review will modernize Kenya’s construction industry. “The legislative review will prioritize modernisation of Kenya’s construction industry through mechanisms to curtail structural collapses and avoidable incidents witnessed in the construction industry,” she stated.
The NCA, established to oversee the construction sector, plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with industry standards. The authority is responsible for accrediting and registering contractors, regulating their professional conduct, and certifying skilled construction workers and site supervisors. By strengthening NCA regulations, the government aims to eliminate loopholes that allow unscrupulous developers to bypass safety measures.
The new measures are expected to introduce stricter penalties for non-compliance, enhance accountability, and improve oversight of construction projects. Industry stakeholders and the public are hopeful that these changes will lead to a safer and more reliable construction sector, reducing the risk of future tragedies and ensuring that buildings meet the required safety standards.
