The National Construction Authority’s (NCA) Nyanza Regional Coordinator Festus Mariera has revealed that the body has begun enforcing the newly enacted Building Code 2024, which took effect on 1st March 2025.
He said the new arrangement will replace the outdated 1968 building regulations.
Mariera said the new code introduces stricter safety measures, sustainable building practices, and streamlined approval processes to enhance structural integrity and prevent disasters linked to substandard construction.
He said the repeal of the 1968 code was long overdue, given rapid urbanisation and emerging construction technologies which have changed dynamics in the building industry.
Speaking in Kisumu during a sensitisation meeting for stakeholders in the building industry, Mariera said the new code provides a comprehensive framework to ensure buildings meet modern safety and environmental standards.
The code, he said, captures emerging and new construction technologies and also recognises new building materials which were not in existence in 1968 when the old code was operationalised.
“A lot has happened since 1968, and that is why this new code was necessary. For example, this new code recognises new building materials; therefore, it is no longer a must to go for stones from Ndarugo,” he said.
Other aspects captured include electrical wiring and fibre optic networks, which were not captured in the old code.
The code, he added, further spells out stricter structural integrity checks, mandatory use of NCA-certified materials, and stronger penalties for violations.
He asked members of the public to acquaint themselves with the new code to ensure strict adherence to avoid being in conflict with the law.
“Before embarking on a project, you must ensure that you follow the regulations as set out in the building code 2024. The contractors you engage must be compliant so that the quality of the building is not compromised,” he said.
The first round of the sensitisation meetings, he said, targets 14 counties, with plans underway to reach the remaining counties as the new regulations take shape.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo said all National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) in the area have been sensitised on the new code and will work closely with NCA and other state agencies to ensure strict adherence.
Consistency in the implementation of the new code, he said, was essential to eliminate cases of buildings collapsing due to substandard and unprofessional work.
“We have had cases of buildings collapsing and even fire outbreaks in schools due to poor wiring because the work was done by quacks. In most of the cases, evacuation is difficult because of the way the buildings have been constructed,” he said.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
NGAO, he added, has adopted a multi-agency approach to check on malpractices in the sector, adding that adequate security shall be given to NCA officers and county government officials to enforce the code.
Kisumu County Chief Officer in charge of Energy, Roads, Transport and Public Works Fred Osewe said the new code was critical in addressing emerging concerns in the construction industry, which pose danger to members of the public.
Osewe said the county government, which is tasked with the approval of building designs, has welcomed the new code and will ensure it is followed to the letter to guarantee the safety of buildings.
“I want to make a commitment here that we will strive to ensure that all approvals are done as prescribed by the new code,” he said.
To ensure compliance, he added, county enforcement officers shall be deployed to ensure that any construction across the county has met the requirements of the law.
By Fredrick Odiero.
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
