Kenyans building houses will need to show proof that they have enlisted the services of a civil engineer and seek prior approval when excavating foundations deeper than three metres.
The proposal has been outlined in the National Building Code 2022 which is currently under review. The code seeks to amend the National Construction Authority Act.
Additionally, when the excavation is likely to impair the safety or stability of any property or service, the owner of the plot shall take adequate precautionary measures to ensure that the safety and stability of the property or service, are maintained.
“An excavation that exceeds a depth of 3 metres shall be designed by a civil engineer,” the Code states.
“Where the depth of the excavation is likely to exceed 3m, the owner of the plot shall obtain approval for the excavation.”
The approval must be sought from the NCA 7 days prior to the commencement of the excavation.
While applying for the approval, the owner shall do so in writing detailing the intention to excavate.
Approval to excavate can be denied if the digging is undertaken within 1 metre of an underground utility cable
The caveat can only be circumnavigated if the excavation is done under the control of the operator of the utility system or if digging is carried out in accordance with the approved work method statement.
The new proposal further states that homeowners overseeing excavation for a foundation must ensure that it is taken down to firm natural ground.
This can be excused and a foundation excavated in a filled ground if approved design measures are taken to ensure the stability and the serviceability of the building.
Another condition for digging a foundation as outlined in the building code is that where the foundation for an external masonry wall is placed on solid rock, the bottom of the excavation for a foundation shall not be less than 300mm below the level of an adjoining finished ground.
