The government has released a three-step guideline for the construction industry following increased cases of collapsed buildings.
In a notice printed in the local dailies, the National Construction Authority (NCA) detailed guidelines Kenyans wishing to construct houses should follow.
The steps were categorised into three stages mainly, pre-construction, construction and post-construction.
Pre-construction
NCA reiterated that the first step of construction begins with consulting registered and qualified personnel. This entails getting having an architect draw the building's design.
"Only professionals registered with their respective regulatory bodies can design drawings intended for construction. These include architects, structural engineers, and quantity surveyors. planners, mechanical and electrical engineers," read the notice in part.
A prospective home and commercial property owner is then required to get statutory approvals from various government agencies.
This includes the county government, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Contractors building next to airports have to seek approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
After getting approval, the project is then required to be registered with NCA. The building owner thus submits details of the contractor, project consultants, architect, and surveyor who is duly registered.
Also presented at this stage include approved house design, physical planning forms, approvals by other statutory bodies, quantities summary of the building, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) pin and a signed agreement with the contractor.
During Construction
Upon approval by the NCA, the construction process begins with officials from the county government and NCA expected to conduct regular checks to ensure that the building process is done as per the regulations.
Some of the items inspected include; the presence of a registered contractor, a signboard showing all the approvals, a record of professionals on-site, safety signs, protecting equipment, compliance certificate.
Also checked is the skill set of the workers involved in the construction.
Post Construction
Upon completion of the building, the project developer is expected to obtain a certificate for occupancy from the county government before people can start occupying the building.
