Nairobi Built Environment Experts Call for Strict Planning Enforcement Amid Rising Building Failures

YouTube Link: Mjengo Hub addresses the issue of collapsing buildings in Nairobi

Industry leaders and regulators have warned that a significant majority of buildings in Kenya may be unsafe, citing a critical breakdown in the oversight and execution of construction projects. During a recent professional forum in Nairobi, stakeholders from the Architectural Association of Kenya and the National Construction Authority pointed to a pervasive culture of circumventing established planning standards. They observed that many developments currently ignore spatial regulations, such as plot coverage and building distances, resulting in structures that lack adequate light, ventilation, and access to essential services.

The National Construction Authority noted that while technical and professional standards are clearly defined by law, the enforcement of these rules often fails at the county level. Officials highlighted cases where developers obtain approvals for designs that clearly violate safety codes or proceed with construction that deviates from the sanctioned plans. In some instances, professional stamps are reportedly being sold by registered experts who never visit the sites they certify, effectively allowing unqualified individuals to lead complex projects without oversight.

Project managers and surveyors further noted that the construction industry frequently operates in silos, which undermines the quality control process. There is a growing concern that the lead consultants occasionally do sideline specific measurements of experts or structural engineers, leading to errors in foundation depth and verticality. Experts argued that the issue is compounded by a lack of regulation for developers themselves, who often prioritize cost-cutting over professional fees and safety protocols.

To address these vulnerabilities, professionals are advocating for tighter self-policing within their respective bodies and the empowerment of regulators to prosecute those who defy suspension orders. There are also calls for the government to lead by example in its own infrastructure projects by adhering to professional fee scales, which would set a standard for the private sector. The integration of more rigorous site inspections and the public disclosure of non-compliant projects remain central to the proposed reforms aimed at restoring safety to the nation's built environment.