National Construction Authority (NCA) Executive Director Maurice Aketch on Thursday, July 20 detailed that the government had finalised drafting new codes for construction which will introduce five new changes in the industry.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, the NCA boss indicated that the changes will include the introduction of resilient designs which target the compatibility of buildings in line with potential disasters such as floods.
He explained that the new code will provide guidelines that will see contractors develop properties that can withstand existing calamities and potential incidents in the future.
Other tragedy countermeasures will have to include those targeting earthquakes, wind and landslides.
"The 1968 code is very prescriptive in the sense that it prescribes what someone should use without giving you an option. For instance, when building a wall, the current codes say that you should use the Nairobi blue stone
"This new code is very flexible and gives opportunities for innovators to come up with different materials that meet the requirements needed such as strength," Aketch stated.
Aketch expressed that the new building code also seeks to introduce policies on guidelines for accessibility for People Living With Disabilities (PLWD) and climate change construction.
In regard to reviews, he noted that the new laws will be reviewed occasionally to ensure that the government adopts new changes.
"The code itself dictated that the code will be reviewed every five years to look at the technology and materials that are new in the industry. We want to give flexibility to innovators.
"The new reviews will not change or overhaul the new standards but give updates in line with the technologies in place," he added.
NCA's new code is set to be published and gazetted by Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secreatry Zacharia Njeru.
The construction regulatory authority targets to have the new guidelines operationalised by October 2023.
