The National Construction Authority (NCA) has issued a stern warning to developers, contractors, and the public to strictly adhere to approved building standards following a rise in fatal construction incidents.
In a statement released on Friday, March 20, NCA Executive Director Engineer Maurice Akech urged all stakeholders to comply with structural and safety regulations to curb the increasing number of building collapses reported in recent months.
The authority urged the need for strict adherence to approved structural designs, proper installation and supervision of formwork during concrete works, and continuous on-site supervision by licensed professionals.
At the same time, the NCA also called for full compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, including the National Building Code, 2024, as well as proper demolition procedures under qualified supervision.
A collage of a collapsed building in Kericho County which was under construction.
Photo
County Government of Kericho
Additionally, the NCA warned against developments in riparian reserves and stressed the need for adequate drainage systems and proper site planning to mitigate flood-related risks.
The warning comes as the construction body confirmed investigations into the two recent separate building collapse incidents reported on March 18 in Westlands, Nairobi County, and Belgut Sub-County in Kericho County.
In Westlands, the collapse occurred at a construction site on School Lane during the casting of the 22nd floor slab, which gave way onto the 21st floor in what has been described as a partial structural failure.
Preliminary findings indicate that the collapse was likely caused by formwork failure, with one fatality confirmed and another person injured and taken to the hospital, according to the NCA.
In Kericho’s Kaptebeswet area, NCA said that the incident occurred during the casting of a second-floor slab at a residential development, which collapsed shortly after concrete placement.
According to Aketch, early investigations suggest the collapse may have resulted from inadequate propping and insufficient structural reinforcement, leading to one death and three injuries.
Even so, the NCA stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the collapses and assess compliance with construction regulations.
“The multi-agency team on the ground secured both sites pending further investigations, which will establish the full circumstances surrounding both incidents, determine accountability among all parties involved, and assess compliance with construction regulations and professional standards,” the NCA said.
Residents of Shauri Moyo look at a collapsed building in the area on March 16, 2026.
Kamkunji Human Rights Defenders
