Kenya has officially commenced full enforcement of the National Building Code 2024, a transformative regulatory framework designed to modernize the country’s construction industry and address long-standing challenges in safety, sustainability, and compliance.
The new code, which came into legal effect on March 1, 2025, follows the repeal of the outdated Building Code of 1968.
It was gazetted on March 1, 2024, through Legal Notice No. 47, with a one-year transition period for public education and stakeholder alignment.
The National Construction Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, has spearheaded a nationwide sensitization campaign to prepare professionals, contractors, county governments, and developers for the sweeping changes.
A New Era for Kenya’s Built Environment
The National Building Code 2024 introduces a robust set of guidelines aimed at improving structural integrity, enhancing fire and hazard safety, promoting sustainable design, and ensuring accountability throughout the construction lifecycle.
Under the new framework, all developments must undergo comprehensive scrutiny, including approvals from county authorities, NEMA environmental assessments, and registration of professionals with the NCA.
Structures are now subject to inspection every five years, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.
“Kenya can no longer afford the risks posed by outdated standards,” said Maurice Akech, Executive Director of the NCA. “This code is a critical milestone that aligns us with international best practices and supports the delivery of safer, greener, and more resilient infrastructure.”
Key Provisions and Innovations
The updated regulations place strong emphasis on sustainability, requiring new buildings to incorporate energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and waste-reduction strategies.
Provisions for disaster resilience—particularly in relation to earthquakes, floods, and fires—are also integrated into design requirements.
Importantly, the code mandates that new residential and commercial buildings include LPG piping systems and digital infrastructure such as fiber-optic readiness.
Accessibility standards have also been introduced to ensure inclusivity in public and private structures.
To support compliance, the NCA has deployed mobile materials testing laboratories in key urban centers including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
These labs will offer on-site verification of construction inputs to deter the use of substandard materials—a factor frequently linked to structural failures.
Stakeholder Engagement and Compliance
Over the past year, the NCA conducted more than 60 workshops, seminars, and county-level forums to sensitize professionals and developers on the implications of the new code.
The Authority has also partnered with professional bodies such as the Architectural Association of Kenya and the Engineers Board of Kenya to support seamless adoption.
County governments have been tasked with frontline enforcement. In recent weeks, building inspectors across Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, and Kisumu have begun issuing notices and penalties for structures failing to meet the new benchmarks.
“The success of the code depends on collaboration across sectors,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Public Works.
“We urge all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the provisions and uphold quality and safety as a shared responsibility.”
The National Building Code 2024 is expected to play a vital role in advancing the government’s Affordable Housing Programme and Vision 2030 infrastructure goals.
By setting higher standards for design, materials, and execution, the code not only seeks to prevent future tragedies but also to elevate Kenya’s construction industry to regional and global competitiveness.
As enforcement continues, the NCA plans to release quarterly updates on compliance metrics, inspection outcomes, and emerging challenges.
Stakeholders are encouraged to download the full code via the NCA website or consult local offices for guidance.
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