The National Construction Authority (NCA) is ramping up its nationwide sensitization program for the National Building Code 2024 – as the code comes into effect starting March 1st, 2025.
The Building Code 2024, published as Legal Notice No. 47 on March 1, 2024, and officially launched on July 17, 2024, replaces the outdated Local Government (Adoptive By-Laws) (Building) Order of 1968, marking a significant milestone in the construction industry.
Transition from the old code
The transition period lasted one year, and the Code came into force on March 1st, 2025. Before its enforcement, there was a need for sensitization among critical stakeholders and the general public to create awareness, facilitate onboarding, and encourage industry stakeholders to take ownership of the National Building Code 2024 and its processes.
March 1st 2025
The National Building Code 2024 was published on March 1st, 2024 and it took effect in March 1st, 2025. The National Construction Authority launched the new code on 17th July 2024.
The building code sensitization and civic education program commenced in the second week of March 2025. The primary objective of this program is to provide a platform for construction professionals and industry stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the new building code, its provisions, and its practical application in daily construction activities. These forums aim to:
- Raise awareness about the importance of the Building Code in ensuring safety, health, and environmental sustainability.
- Educate stakeholders on key provisions of the building code affecting construction practices, including structural design, materials, and safety protocols.
- Address common challenges and misconceptions related to the implementation of building codes in the construction industry.
- Promote a culture of compliance with national and international construction standards.
Engaging the Counties
In phase one of these sensitization and civic education programs, the Authority conducted a series of workshops in several counties, including Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Garissa, Isiolo, Kitui, Kakamega, Embu, Kajiado, Kisumu, Mombasa,Kisii,Nyeri and Nakuru.
These workshops were open to a broad range of construction industry stakeholders and the general public. The forums provided a platform for key stakeholders, particularly county government representatives, to share their views and support the National Building Code’s implementation.
The second part of phase one of the program covered Mombasa and Kisii counties on March 18, Nyeri on March 19, and Nakuru on March 20, 2025. Ultimately, phase one of these programs culminated with Central Rift region, Nakuru County.
Promoting accountability in construction
This nationwide initiative aimed at ensuring that government agencies,county governments and industry stakeholders continuously enforce and implement the Building Code to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving environmental conditions.
The initiative also seeks to enhance public safety, reduce instances of substandard construction, and promote a culture of accountability within the industry.
What’s in the National Building Code 2024
The National Building Code 2024 represents a significant departure from its predecessor, which had remained unchanged for over 50 years. The previous code failed to incorporate modern building technologies or international standards.
The new code prioritizes improved standards in design, construction, and maintenance, emphasizing quality, safety, health, and environmental sustainability. It mandates the use of qualified professionals for all stages of construction, and promotes the durability of buildings. In addition, the code seeks to minimize harmful health effects from building materials and methods.
Emerging Contruction Materials and Technologies
Notably, the code fosters innovation by embracing diverse building materials and technologies, aligns with international standards. It also shifts oversight from one capacitated authority to county governenments, aiming to ensure consistent implementation and compliance across the country.
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The National Building Code 2024 comes at a time when construction is evolving rapidly around the world. New materials are growing in popularity prompting regulatory bodies to keep up and protect the public. In addition, the construction industry is also embracing technology.
Criticism of the National Building Code 2024 in Kenya
Despite its progressive intentions, the National Building Code 2024 has faced criticism from various sectors within Kenya’s construction industry. One of the key concerns raised by stakeholders is the exclusion of certain professionals from the code such as interior designers, landscaping architects and construction managers.
Affected professionals argue that they have been part of Kenya’s built environment and they have the academic training, qualification and practice to be recognized as construction professionals.
Credit: The National Construction Authority News page was extremely useful in providing information for this article.
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