The government has initiated a major overhaul of the country's construction laws, aiming to impose stricter penalties and enhance safety standards following a spate of building collapses over the past two years. Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, on Wednesday, March 26, launched a committee to review the National Construction Authority (NCA) Act (2011) and NCA Regulations (2014), signalling a push for tighter regulation in an industry plagued by non-compliance and structural failures. The move comes as authorities seek to prevent further tragedies, with multiple incidents of collapsing buildings having claimed lives and raised concerns over weak enforcement. The review seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing construction, ensuring alignment with the Kenyan Constitution while adopting international best practices. Lands CS Alice Wahome speaking during a consultative meeting between state and non-state actors on community land registration and governance at Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, January 28, 2025.
Photo Ministry of Lands Key among the proposed changes is the introduction of harsher penalties for violations, including heavy fines and potential criminal liability for contractors and developers found guilty of cutting corners. The government hopes these measures will deter malpractice and improve compliance with safety standards, particularly after several high-profile collapses exposed systemic failures in oversight.
In recent years, Kenya has witnessed a disturbing trend of building failures, with at least six major collapses reported since 2023.
These incidents have been attributed to poor workmanship, substandard materials, and lax enforcement of existing regulations. The new measures aim to address these issues by mandating stricter quality assurance inspections and reinforcing accountability across the construction chain.
