Between 2009 and 2019, 86 buildings valued at more than Sh2.4 billion collapsed, with devastating impacts. Records show that more than 200 lives were lost as a result in the process.
In 2015, a record 21 buildings, either complete or under construction, collapsed.
An audit conducted by the National Building Inspectorate in 2018 found that, out of 14,895 buildings sampled, 4.8 per cent were very dangerous, 72.3 per cent were classified as unsafe, 8.2 per cent were found to be in fair condition and 14.7 per cent were categorised as safe.
In 2019, Nairobi accounted for the highest number of collapsed buildings at 33 followed by Kiambu county. It is for this reason that the government has started a comprehensive review of the National Construction Authority Act 2011 to curb the risks.
Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development CS Alice Wahome said NCA regulations will also be reviewed.
“The legislative review will prioritise modernisation of Kenya’s construction industry through mechanisms to curtail structural collapses and avoidable incidents witnessed in the construction industry,” she said.
The National Construction Authority was established to oversee the construction industry and coordinate development.
The authority accredits and registers
contractors and regulates their professional undertakings. It also accredit
and certifies skilled construction workers and construction site supervisors.
