Nairobi: The Government and the National Construction Authority (NCA) have launched nationwide stakeholder sensitisation programmes for the National Building Code 2024, a comprehensive framework poised to transform Kenya’s construction industry.
According to Kenya News Agency, this code, published as Legal Notice No. 47 on March 1, 2024, replaces the outdated 1968 Local Government (Adoptive By-Laws) Order with modern standards for building design, construction, and maintenance. This significant update marks nearly six decades since the 1968 Building Code, promising transformative change as it takes effect this year on March 1.
Principal Secretary for Public Works Joel Arumonyang highlighted that these sensitisation programmes aim to empower professionals, contractors, and the public with the necessary knowledge for effective code implementation. The focus is on stakeholder engagement and compliance, fostering a culture of excellence and minimizing structural failures within Kenya’s construction sector.
During a sensitisation exercise in Nairobi, Arumonyang emphasized the importance of extensive training programmes and public awareness campaigns. These efforts are designed to ensure that all stakeholders, including contractors and construction workers, understand their roles and responsibilities for the code’s successful implementation.
The Building Code 2024, anchored under the National Construction Authority Act, reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring safety, and enhancing sustainability in Kenya’s built environment. The new code addresses limitations of the 1968 Code by incorporating sustainable materials, modern technologies, and disaster resilience provisions.
Arumonyang explained that the code will transform construction practices in the country by providing an updated framework and standards for planning, design, approval, implementation, maintenance, and demolition of buildings. The code also introduces provisions for multi-hazard designs, sustainable green practices, digital connectivity, and disaster risk management on construction sites.
The code aims to minimize adverse health effects from building methods and materials while providing universal access standards. It is integral to the government’s Affordable Housing Program, which seeks to provide safe and decent homes for low- and middle-income households, aligning with the Code to create safe, resilient, adaptable, and inclusive communities.
The code also preserves buildings with cultural, historical, or heritage value and enhances fire safety measures. Its mandatory five-year review cycle ensures that Kenya remains at the forefront of global construction trends, promoting job creation and fostering a digitally integrated construction ecosystem.
The National Government leads policy development, while counties play a crucial role in local implementation. A collaborative approach between National and County Governments is vital for the code’s success, ensuring adherence and efficacy nationwide.
The code now serves as a critical training tool in universities and vocational training institutions, preparing the next generation of professionals to transform the industry. Executive Director for the National Construction Authority, Eng. Maurice Akech, emphasized the code’s core objectives of promoting quality, safety, health, and sustainability in the built environment.
The revised code aligns with international best practices, setting a benchmark for construction excellence. It addresses inadequacies of the 1968 code, ensuring qualified professionals manage design, construction, supervision, and inspection, advocating for sustainable building practices that enhance durability and resilience.
Akech reiterated the importance of collaboration, urging industry stakeholders to embrace cooperation to achieve a safe and sustainable built environment. The Authority is committed to ensuring all stakeholders understand the code and their specified roles, urging alignment with the code for its successful implementation, ensuring Kenya’s construction sector meets global standards.