The government has unveiled a committee to review the National Construction Authority (NCA) Act (2011) and NCA Regulations (2014) Wednesday.
The initiative is a decisive move to enhance safety and accountability in Kenya’s construction industry coming at a critical time when cases of structural failures and non-compliance have raised concerns over building safety.
Speaking during the launch Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, noted that the review aims to strengthen the legal framework to address industry challenges such as non-compliance and structural collapses, align the NCA Act with the Constitution of Kenya, and adopt international construction standards and best practices.
“The Committee I am launching today to undertake a comprehensive review of the NCA Act (2011) and the NCA Regulations (2014) represents a necessary evolution.” Said CS Wahome.
Adding that: “Together, we will build a construction sector that is safe, sustainable, and globally competitive. I invite you all to join us in this transformative journey.”
The review will also incorporate sustainability in line with the Climate Change Act (2016) and the SDGs while enhancing coordination frameworks.
Key priorities in the review include; curbing structural failures, introducing stricter penalties to support quality assurance inspections, and enforcing mandatory technical inspections under the Building Code, that took effect on March 1, 2025.
On his part, the Principal Secretary State Department for Public Works, Joel Arumonyang underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in implementing the reforms.
“The government is committed to working with all industry players to ensure compliance with the new regulations,” he said.
Adding that: “I believe that the committee incorporates different skills and knowledge that will ensure delivery of the envisioned amendments.” PS Arumonyang.
NCA Board Chairperson Mercy Okiro remarked that the Authority will commit to oversight a transformative review of the Act.
“This is a monumental day for the Authority. On behalf of the Board of the Authority, we commit to oversight a transformative review of the Act, one that will strengthen industry standards and foster innovation.” Said Okiro.
Eng. Maurice Akech of NCA Board highlighted that the new measures will improve investor confidence by ensuring that only qualified contractors handle construction projects.
“The work of the committee in charge of reviewing the National Construction Authority Act No. 41 of 2011 and the National Construction Authority Regulations, 2014, will give us a new impetus that will guide the way forward on how we operate.” Eng. Maurice Akech, NCA.
The committee is expected to engage stakeholders from across the industry, including contractors, engineers, architects, and developers, before drafting amendments to the Act.
Once finalized, the proposed reforms will be submitted to Parliament for approval.
