Kenya has officially commenced full enforcement of the National Building Code 2024, a comprehensive framework aimed at reforming the construction industry by enhancing safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. The code became legally effective on March 1, 2025, replacing the outdated 1968 version and introducing modern standards aligned with international best practices.
Gazetted on March 1, 2024, under Legal Notice No. 47, the new code followed a year-long transition period during which the National Construction Authority (NCA), in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, conducted nationwide sensitization workshops. These efforts targeted professionals, contractors, developers, and county governments to ensure smooth adoption.
Guidelines
The code introduces robust guidelines covering structural integrity, fire safety, environmental impact, and design efficiency. All new developments are now subject to strict review processes, including approvals from county governments, environmental assessments by NEMA, and mandatory registration of construction professionals with the NCA.
A major shift under the new regulations is the requirement for periodic building inspections every five years. Non-compliance attracts heavy penalties. In support of quality control, the NCA has deployed mobile testing laboratories in urban centers such as Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa to verify construction materials on-site and discourage use of substandard inputs.
Sustainability features prominently, with new buildings required to incorporate energy-efficient technologies, environmentally friendly materials, and LPG piping systems. Provisions for disaster resilience and digital infrastructure, such as fiber-optic readiness, have also been mandated.
The NCA has worked closely with county authorities and professional bodies to drive compliance, with active enforcement already taking place in key regions. The code is expected to accelerate progress toward Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Affordable Housing Programme by raising the quality and safety standards in construction.