The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has identified multiple regulatory failures and professional lapses that preceded the collapse of a 14-storey building at the Kiganjo-Muhoho Avenue junction in South C on January 2, 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday January 7, AAK President George A. Ndege detailed how the project progressed despite missing critical approvals, ignored stop orders, and inadequate professional supervision.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) issued project registration before the developer had secured approval from either the Nairobi City County Government or the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).
Additional floors were approved without documented proof of structural review or inspection of ongoing works. AAK further noted weak documentation of site supervision by the professional team and changes in consultants mid-project, including the structural engineer.
The project architect indicated that coordination was controlled by the developer, limiting site access, and that the client doubled as both developer and contractor. Although inspections and meetings were conducted, no visit reports or minutes were documented.
AAK has urged the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors, as well as the Engineers Board of Kenya, to undertake independent investigations into the matter.
Enforcement notices and stop orders issued by both the NCA and Nairobi City County Government were also ignored during construction.
AAK also proposed four preventive measures, urging developers to involve registered consultants at every stage of design and construction and to apply the 2024 Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC) Agreement and Conditions of Contract for Construction Works.
The architectural body reiterated its call for a One-Stop Shop system integrating all permitting agencies across counties and stressed that all statutory approvals must be secured before construction begins.
The association advocated for strict enforcement of the National Building Code and approved plans, with routine and standardised site inspections.
AAK further recommended that county governments keep publicly accessible records of all approved developments. It proposed introducing routine compliance reporting, requiring consultants to file periodic progress updates with regulators, with approvals issued on an interim basis and only confirmed at practical completion after full compliance is verified.
The association also called for firm action against unauthorised developments and encouraged the public to flag suspicious construction through its Mulika Mjengo platform, while conveying its condolences to the affected families.
