The National Construction Authority (NCA) recently hosted a Japanese delegation to explore potential areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing the construction industry. The delegation, led by Mr. Kenichi Ogasawara, Deputy Minister for International Projects of Japan, provided a platform for both parties to exchange ideas and discuss areas of possible collaboration.

The NCA team was represented by Eng. Maurice Akech (Executive Director), Dr. Crispus Ndinyo (PhD) (General Manager, Construction Research), Mr. James Kilonzi (General Manager, Corporate Services), Dr. Meshack Otieno (Manager, Construction Research), and Mr. Samson Lukoba (Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal).

The discussions centered on knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and investment opportunities in the construction sector. Eng. Maurice Akech provided an overview of the Authority’s core functions, categorizing them into three key areas: Regulation, Capacity Building, and Advisory Services.

Mr. Ogasawara, in his remarks, noted that this was his first visit to Kenya and commended the country’s significant economic progress. He highlighted the strong economic ties between Kenya and Japan, citing the high number of Japanese cars on Kenyan roads as an example. He further mentioned that numerous Japanese companies, under the Japan-Africa Infrastructure Development Association (JAIDA), were eager to invest in Kenya’s infrastructure sector but faced logistical challenges.

A key focus of the delegation’s visit was the establishment of a human resource and technology transfer program. The initiative aims to facilitate an exchange program where Kenyan construction professionals like engineers and architects would have the opportunity to work and train in Japan for a period before returning to Kenya to apply their acquired expertise in local infrastructure projects. Mr. Ogasawara requested the Authority to be a partner in implementation of this initiative, as the industry regulator.

The Japanese delegation also extended an invitation to NCA to participate in the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), set to take place in Yokohama in August 2025. The event is expected to provide a platform for high-level discussions and roundtable engagements aimed at actualizing the proposed partnerships.

Additionally, the delegation acknowledged the NCA’s Center for Construction Industry Development (CCID) project, a research facility based in Konza City focused on developing cost-effective construction materials. The Japanese team expressed interest in linking NCA with potential investors for the project.

In response, NCA’s Executive Director welcomed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Japan’s expertise to improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of Kenya’s construction sector, especially now when the country is implementing a new National Building Code that accommodates the latest technology within the industry. The Japanese delegation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kenya’s infrastructure development and expressed optimism for future engagements.