The National Construction Authority on Wednesday, 17th July 2024 launched the National Building Code 2024 at a ceremony presided over by the Principal Secretary for Public Works, Mr. Joel Arumonyang. The Code was published on March 1st 2024 as Legal Notice no. 47, repealing the Local Government (Adoptive By-Laws) (Building) Order of 1968.

In attendance were the NCA Board Vice Chairperson Mercy Okiro, Executive Director Eng. Maurice Akech, MBS, and Hon. Johana Ngeno, Chair of the National Assembly Committee for Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works, among others. The launch also saw representation from other government institutions and construction-affiliated professional bodies. The launch of the Code marks a major milestone for the construction industry, 56 years after the passing of the previous one, and paving way for a progressive, dynamic, and stakeholder-driven guiding document.

The implementation of the Code will transform how construction is 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. The Code also has provisions for multi-hazard resilient designs, sustainable green construction practices, digital connectivity, liquid petroleum gas ( LPG) connections into buildings and disaster risk management on construction sites. The Code will also promote innovation of new materials and technologies that will benefit the development and growth of the construction sector, especially the affordable housing programme.

In his remarks, PS Joel Arumonyang noted that the construction sector is one of the leading drivers of Kenya’s economy. Therefore, the building environment shapes the form and appearance of the urban environment that houses millions of residents. The government must act to protect the public by controlling the operations of the industry through the development of the building code and other regulations that support the construction industry.

"The code sets our own local standards and becomes one of only three building codes in Africa that address issues of sustainability, green building, and climate change," stated Mercy Okiro, Vice Chair of the NCA Board.

NCA Executive Director further underscored that the new code is responsive, mindful of changes in materials and technologies, and emphasizes sustainability, hazard-resilient designs, safety, and environmental well-being. He further emphasized the need for a multisectoral approach and support for the proper and effective implementation of the National Building Code 2024. Eng. Akech stated that there will be a one-year adjustment window marked by heavy stakeholder awareness and training to allow for a smooth transition in the industry.

In his statement, Hon. Ngeno emphasized the need for strict rules in construction. "We want to ensure that those in the construction industry do their part so that we do not provide Kenyans with poor-quality buildings," he remarked.

With the official flag-off of the three mobile materials laboratories, the Authority has also taken a significant step towards enhancing its capacity to ensure quality assurance in the construction industry. The mobile labs are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments and equipment to enable efficient and effective responses to instances of construction failures and conduct onsite investigations. The mobile laboratories will be deployed in Nairobi to cover the Mt. Kenya, Lower Eastern, North Eastern, Upper Eastern and South Rift Regions; Kisumu to cover South Nyanza, Central Nyanza, North Rift, and Western Region; and Mombasa to cover the Coast Region. The deployment of the mobile materials laboratories is expected to significantly enhance the NCA's regulatory capacity, improve service delivery, and promote compliance with construction standards. It will also open avenues for revenue generation through specialized testing services.

This milestone underscores NCA's commitment to promoting quality assurance and standardization and will in a major way contribute to the sustainable development of the construction Industry in Kenya.