Developers who contravene the newly unveiled National Construction Authority (NCA) building code will face stiffer penalties.
The code, which will become effective on January 14, 2026, aims to enhance the standards of construction, ensuring safety and efficiency in building practices.
The code effectively repeals the Local Government (Adoptive By-Laws) (Building) Order of 1968, which has been in place for 56 years.
During a sensitisation workshop held at a hotel in Kakamega, Engineer Francis Mbiti, from the State Department of Public Works, said the new code aims to ensure all construction designs are carried out by registered professionals, who must be accredited by the NCA.
He said the regulations aim to promote a safer and more efficient construction sector and incorporate emerging and new technologies, such as green building technology, and strategies to mitigate climate change.
Eng. Mbiti said the code provides guidance on how construction will be carried out in the country by providing for an up-to-date framework and standards for planning, design, approval, implementation, maintenance and demolition of buildings.
During the presentation by Architect Eric Miseda, Arch. Festus Mariera, Eng. Jackson Chepkwony, and Quantity Surveyor Jackie Legishion, participants were informed that the code has further provisions for multi-hazard resilient designs, sustainable green construction practices, digital connectivity and disaster risk management on construction sites.
The Code also seeks to promote innovation of new materials and technologies that will benefit the development and growth of the construction sector, especially the Affordable Housing programme.
Mbiti said the code will enforce stricter professional supervision and rigorous testing materials and procedures to ensure compliance.
He called on County governments to ensure they employ only professionals to monitor the construction industry.
Speaking to the media after the civic education, the Deputy County Commissioner attached to the Western Regional Commissioner’s Office, Mr. Kennedy Lung’alo, emphasised the need for a multispectral approach and support for the proper and effective implementation of the National Building Code.
“We now expect full compliance, and cases of buildings crumbling will become a thing of the past,” he said.
He urged the public to share information regarding the construction of buildings, especially those that do not meet standards, emphasising that NCA will be inspecting all buildings every five years to ensure compliance.
Architect Eric Miseda said NCA has an enforcement unit that works with the National Police Service to ensure developers adhere to the code.
By George Kaiga
