What You Need to Know
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced new construction guidelines aimed at improving oversight and accountability following a recent building collapse. The guidelines require construction professionals to notify authorities if removed from a project, addressing loopholes that compromise safety. This move seeks to enhance compliance with building standards and prevent future structural fail
Africa-Press – Kenya. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced new construction guidelines aimed at tightening oversight and accountability following the collapse of a 22-storey building in Westlands on Wednesday.
The directive requires professionals involved in construction projects to formally notify both the county government and their respective regulatory bodies if they are removed from a site.
“We have told the professional bodies to tell their members that if anybody is removed from a site, they must inform the county and that body, so that we can know if a building is going on without the proper professional support,” Sakaja said.
Professional associations affected by the order include the Architectural Association of Kenya, Institution of Surveyors of Kenya and the Engineers Board of Kenya.
According to Sakaja, the move targets a common loophole where developers enlist qualified professionals to secure project approvals, only to fire them once permits are granted.
He noted that such practices compromise compliance with building standards and increase the risk of unsafe construction.
The governor further outlined the approval process for construction projects, stating that professionals are required to sign an indemnity committing to uphold quality and safety standards.
Applications, which are submitted by architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, are reviewed by an urban planning technical committee before approval is issued.
Sakaja referenced the case of the collapse of a 16-storey building in South C earlier this year, saying professionals who signed off on the project could face prosecution.
The new reporting requirement is expected to ensure that responsibility is clearly assigned throughout the construction process.
Sakaja says the measures will help seal regulatory gaps that have allowed some developers to bypass professional oversight after securing approvals.
The guidelines come amid increased scrutiny after recent building collapses in the city, including the one in Shauri Moyo, with authorities seeking to strengthen enforcement and prevent future structural failures.
In recent years, Nairobi has experienced a troubling trend of building collapses, raising concerns about construction safety and regulatory compliance. The government has faced criticism for inadequate oversight and enforcement of building codes, prompting calls for stricter regulations. The new guidelines introduced by Governor Sakaja aim to address these issues by ensuring that professionals remain accountable throughout the construction process, thereby enhancing safety standards and protecting public welfare.
