Following clearance by the Attorney General on 1 August 2025, the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Kenya Alliance of Residential Associations (KARA) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration on issues affecting residential neighbourhoods across Kenya.

Nairobi, 25/11/25: The National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Kenya Alliance of Residential Associations (KARA) today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen public awareness of regulatory requirements, boost public participation in regulatory processes, and improve neighbourhood monitoring of construction activity.

The partnership follows internal approvals and legal review, including assent from both the NCA and KARA Boards, culminating in concurrence from Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Hon. Alice Wahome and clearance by the Attorney General on 1st August 2025.

Areas of collaboration

The MOU sets out clear areas of cooperation that build on existing informal engagement between the two institutions:

• Public awareness campaigns: to sensitise Residential Associations (RAs) on Authority functions, including implementation of the National Building Code.

• Strengthening public participation:  in regulatory activities so residents can meaningfully contribute to decisions that affect their neighbourhoods.

• Joint activities and events:  to increase visibility of regulatory standards and good practice.

• Joint research studies: on agreed issues affecting residential estates and neighbourhood compliance.

The two parties will host resident dialogue forums across estates to raise awareness and gather concerns, and KARA will use its networks to monitor construction activities in neighbourhoods and escalate issues to NCA where necessary.

The MOU was signed by NCA Executive Director Eng. Maurice Akech and KARA CEO Mr. Henry Ochieng, and witnessed by the Authority’s Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal Mr. Samson Lukoba and the Alliance’s Programmes Manager Mr. Sixtus Odumbe.

Speaking at signing, NCA Board Chair Ms. Mercy Okiro noted that the Authority’s Board is always desirous of industry collaboration. 

“This MOU is a structured way to engage with residential associations, and we look forward to streamlining regulatory activities on ground by way of reporting and information flow. Information is key, and the Authority looks forward to understanding the needs of residents across Kenya, in order to bridge any gaps where possible. The whistleblowing policy is being developed, and its implementation will be pivotal in anchoring the MOU,” she said.

Mr. Ochieng also noted, “We have followed the necessary internal and board processes to arrive at this formal agreement. Our desire is to strengthen collaboration with NCA, especially to address uncontrolled developments and substandard buildings. Residents frequently raise concerns about ongoing developments and whether they have the correct approvals. An informed citizen is an empowered citizen — awareness creation is critical. KARA will act as extended eyes and ears on the ground, gathering data and sharing it with NCA so we can collectively strengthen enforcement and use the evidence for policy generation. This MOU formalises and deepens the close working relationship we have had with the Authority.”

Eng. Akech, noting the long journey towards the actualisation of the MOU, was grateful for the support offered by the Board, CS Wahome and the Office of the Attorney General. “We have frequently collaborated with KARA, but this formalisation by way of MOU provides a structured format for effectively serving residents across the country and meeting them at their point of need.”

Implementation and governance

The MOU will be valid for three (3) years from the date of formalisation. An Implementation Committee will be established to coordinate activities and track progress. KARA will nominate three technical representatives to serve on the committee; and one nominee will serve as co-chair alongside the Authority’s representatives.