A recent government report has revealed that more than half of the buildings inspected countrywide between July 1, 2025, and April 2, 2026, are not structurally sound. The quality assurance report by the State Department for Public Works, tabled in Parliament, shows that 57 per cent of the 21,282 buildings assessed were non-compliant and at risk of collapsing. This raises serious concerns over public safety in the country.
The report indicates that only 9,264 buildings, representing 43.53 percent, were found structurally sound, while 12,018 did not follow the construction guidelines provided for in law. Regional compliance varied significantly, with the former Western Province leading at 77 percent, followed by Mount Kenya at 65 percent. Nairobi had 57 percent of ongoing buildings fully compliant, while North Eastern had the lowest compliance level at five per cent.
The country has witnessed 100 building collapses since 1996, with 2026 recording the highest number so far, at eight. Structural failures remain the main challenge in the construction industry and the leading cause of collapses in most parts of the country. The report attributes the problem to poorly done structural designs by developers who prioritize cost savings over quality.
The report also notes the involvement of unqualified persons, including unlicensed individuals posing as engineers and architects, who prepare and sell drawings to developers. Incomplete and defective architectural and engineering drawings contribute significantly to structural deficiencies and potential building failure. Poor workmanship is another cause, with rogue contractors failing to follow approved plans and using unskilled workers.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) is mandated to inspect construction sites and enforce compliance with regulations. The authority uses a seven-item checklist to assess ongoing projects and can issue a suspension notice to developers who fail to comply. The NCA also has an enforcement unit of 15 police officers who support site inspections in areas where non-compliance has been reported.
The report calls for stronger capacity in oversight, regulation, and investigative arms to address the issue of building collapses. All construction projects must comply with the National Building Code 2024, which prescribes improved standards in building design, construction, and maintenance. The code restricts the preparation of designs and supervision of works to registered professionals and accredited site supervisors and skilled workers.
The government has secured 15 successful convictions across various counties as of March 31, 2026, but the report notes that few investigations are concluded and lead to prosecutions. Building collapses are extensively investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) from a criminal perspective. The issue of building collapses remains a significant concern in Kenya, with many buildings at risk of collapse due to non-compliance with safety regulations.
Key points
- Over half of buildings inspected in Kenya between July 2025 and April 2026 are not structurally sound.
- The country has witnessed 100 building collapses since 1996, with 2026 recording the highest number so far, at eight.
- The National Construction Authority (NCA) is mandated to inspect construction sites and enforce compliance with regulations.
