The National Construction Authority (NCA) has embarked on a nationwide sensitization drive to educate stakeholders on the newly introduced National Building Code 2024. The Code, which replaces the 1968 version, aims to streamline construction standards, enhance safety, and promote sustainable building practices across the country.
Speaking at the sensitization workshop held at Pride Inn Beach Resort, Shanzu, Engineer Godana Hargura emphasized that it is the responsibility of NCA to oversee its implementation and ensure compliance within the industry.
Hargura highlighted that the code was officially published on March 1, 2024, and took effect on March 1, 2025. He noted that the first phase of the rollout began on March 10 in Nairobi and is now in its second week. Currently, the focus is on the first 14 counties, with plans to extend the initiative to all 47 counties in the coming weeks.
Hargura highlighted that the new building code marks a significant improvement from the previous one. He reiterated that after independence, Kenya adopted the British system in 1968 under local government, which was highly prescriptive and restrictive in terms of construction materials.
The revised code, however, promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility by allowing innovation, provided materials meet the required standards. It also prioritizes safety and climate-conscious construction, ensuring efficient use of available resources such as natural lighting while aligning with modern building practices.
“So it’s a sustainable way of doing construction. It’s better to manage construction right from the beginning to the end so that we also take care of aspects of the disasters we have been having in the building environment,” Hargura noted.
He said that the new regulations have established clear guidelines to ensure collaboration among all relevant stakeholders in the construction sector.
Hargura highlighted that before any building project commences, it must first receive approval from the county government to verify compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
Additionally, the project must undergo environmental assessment by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to address sustainability concerns.
NCA will evaluate the qualifications of the professionals involved and inspect building materials to ensure they meet the required quality standards. These measures, he emphasized, are designed to uphold safety and professionalism in the construction industry.
Joshua Muthoka, the Assistant County Commissioner, speaking on behalf of the Mombasa County Commissioner, assured full support for the sensitization efforts. He emphasized that they will assist in coordination to ensure the National Construction Authority (NCA) effectively implements its initiatives
By Fatma Said and Nuru Soud
