A recent government report has identified significant flaws in Kenya's building construction process, putting the country's structures at risk of collapse. The report, covering July 1, 2025, to April 2, 2026, highlights poor workmanship, disjointed approval processes, and non-compliance with building standards as major causes of building collapses. These systemic failures have allowed unsafe structures to proceed largely unchecked, posing a significant threat to public safety.
The report cites developers' efforts to minimize construction costs by compromising on structural safety, often at the expense of quality. Many designers fail to undertake geotechnical investigations to determine the bearing capacity of the soil, increasing the risk of structural failure. Furthermore, unqualified practitioners, including quacks posing as architects, sell drawings to developers, who implement them without verification. This lack of oversight has contributed significantly to structural deficiencies and potential building failures.
The involvement of unqualified individuals in the construction process is a major concern. Unlicensed individuals pose as engineers and architects, preparing and selling engineering drawings to unsuspecting developers. Qualified practitioners, such as architects and structural engineers, often supervise multiple projects, compromising quality. In Mombasa County, for example, 73% of construction developments are handled by only five architects and three structural engineers. This heavy workload can lead to credential renting, where registered professionals allow unqualified individuals to work under their names without actual involvement or supervision.
Compromised regulatory agencies have approved substandard structures and issued occupation certificates for buildings that do not meet required standards. The disjointed approval process involving county governments, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the National Construction Authority (NCA) has led to many developers resorting to shortcuts. Rogue contractors have also been identified as a major problem, failing to follow approved plans, using unskilled workers, and taking shortcuts during construction.
The report highlights the use of substandard materials and poor construction techniques, including weak scaffolding and improper concrete mixing. Construction must be carried out by registered contractors and supervised by competent professionals. The lack of quality control has resulted in the rampant use of substandard materials, with most building materials not subjected to any form of testing. Materials used for construction must be of suitable nature and quality, adequately mixed and prepared.
To address these issues, the report proposes several reforms, including mandatory inspections at key stages of construction and the establishment of a one-stop center for all building control processes. Automation of construction activities through Building Information Modelling is also recommended. The report suggests that Kenya adopt a similar approach to Malaysia, where professionals in the industry are given prominent roles in the construction process, ensuring they are fully responsible for supervising buildings and providing feedback to regulators.
The report's findings are alarming, with more than half of buildings inspected countrywide failing safety checks. The government must take urgent action to implement the proposed reforms and ensure that buildings in Kenya meet safety standards. Members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal construction, unsafe sites, environmental violations, and other breaches. The report's recommendations aim to improve building control processes, enhance oversight, and prevent building collapses.
Key points
- Developers' cost-cutting measures compromise structural safety.
- Unqualified practitioners contribute to structural deficiencies.
- Weak oversight and regulatory failures enable substandard buildings.
