The National Construction Authority held its 2nd Annual Contractors Conference on 24th-25th July at The Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi. The conference, themed ‘Capacity Building and Partnerships for an Innovative, Safe, and Sustainable Construction Industry’, is a cornerstone activity for enhancing contractor capacity and marks the culmination of the Authority’s CPD programs for the FY 2023/2024. The conference hosted over 500 participants.

The conference was officiated by Mr. Joel Arumonyang, Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Works. Also in attendance were Mercy Okiro, Vice Chair of the NCA Board of Directors; Eng. Maurice Akech, NCA Executive Director; Arch. Florence Nyole; Eng. Shammah Kiteme; Qs. Mutinda Mutuku, Presidents of the Architectural Association of Kenya, Institution of Engineers of Kenya, and Institution of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya respectively; Eng. Wallace Atim, Chair of the Construction Excellence Awards 2024; and Mr. Anvar Joseph Alot, Chief Executive Director of Roads and Civil Engineering Contractors Association, (RACECA), among other representatives.

Mr. Arumonyang emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in achieving the Authority’s mandate on capacity building. "This year, we have collaborated with counties and constituencies to successfully implement capacity building programs for our contractors and construction workers," he remarked.

The Authority remains committed to regulating, streamlining, and enhancing capacity within the construction industry through mandatory Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminars for contractors, among other initiatives. Eng. Akech highlighted capacity building as a pivotal function of the Authority to ensure all construction works are executed diligently, competently, and efficiently.

During the financial year 2023/2024, the Authority implemented various Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and Continuous Technical Development (CTD) programs for contractors and construction workers nationwide. CPD programs are mandatory for the renewal of contractor practicing licenses. Ms. Mercy Okiro announced that the Authority has waived all existing penalties for contractors in default, applicable to contractors registered under categories NCA4-8.

The two-day conference featured keynote speakers and plenary discussions on Corporate Governance, Construction Best Practices, the National Building Code 2024, Affordable Housing, Climate Adaptation, Construction Demolition and Waste Management, Innovation, Taxation, and Mental Wellness, among other emerging issues. Exhibitors at the conference included the Kenya Federation of Master Builders (KFMB), Kidani Mabati, Institution of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya, and Chiromo Hospital Group.