The National Construction Authority (NCA) has cautioned developers, contractors, and the public to strictly follow approved construction standards following a surge in deadly building collapse incidents.
In a statement released on March 20, NCA Executive Director Maurice Akech called on all stakeholders to observe structural and safety regulations to help reduce the growing number of such tragedies.
The authority emphasized the importance of adhering to approved building designs, ensuring proper installation and monitoring of formwork during construction, and maintaining continuous supervision by qualified professionals at project sites.
It also stressed the need to comply with safety guidelines, including the National Building Code 2024, and to follow proper demolition procedures under expert oversight.
Additionally, the NCA warned against construction on riparian land and highlighted the need for proper drainage systems and site planning to minimize flood-related risks.
The warning follows the launch of investigations into two separate building collapse incidents reported on March 18 in Westlands and Belgut Sub-County in Kericho County.
In Westlands, a structure under construction partially collapsed while workers were casting the 22nd floor slab, which fell onto the 21st floor. Preliminary reports suggest the incident may have been caused by formwork failure. One person died while another sustained injuries.
In Kaptebeswet area of Kericho, a residential building collapsed during the casting of a second-floor slab shortly after concrete was poured. Early findings indicate the collapse could have resulted from poor structural support and inadequate reinforcement, leaving one person dead and three others injured.
The NCA noted that investigations are still ongoing, with a multi-agency team securing both sites as authorities work to determine the exact causes, establish responsibility, and assess compliance with construction laws and professional standards.
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