NCA Nyanza region coordinator Festus Mariera inspecting a construction site in Seme subcounty, Kisumu /Faith Matete NCA Nyanza region coordinator Festus Mariera inspecting a construction site in Seme subcounty, Kisumu /Faith Matete NCA Nyanza region coordinator Festus Mariera inspecting a construction site in Seme subcounty, Kisumu /Faith Matete 

The National Construction Authority has issued stoppage orders to two construction sites in Kisumu following
a quality assurance inspection that revealed widespread non-compliance with
building regulations.

The exercise, which included several
sites in Seme subcounty, uncovered glaring deficiencies such as absence of
approved building plans, lack of registered professionals on site and
contractors operating without valid licences.

Speaking during the inspection, NCA
Nyanza region coordinator Festus Mariera expressed concern over the findings.

“Some developers do not even have
basic documentation or approvals, while others are carrying out construction
without engaging qualified professionals to oversee the works,” he said.

Mariera attributed the problem
largely to a lack of awareness among developers, noting that many do not know
they are legally required to hire registered architects or engineers before
commencing construction.

He said construction
should begin with a lead consultant who guides the developer through approvals,
documentation, procurement and engagement of a contractor registered and
licensed by the NCA.

Mariera further warned that
contractors operating with expired licences or without registration are acting
illegally, citing recent building collapses involving unlicensed contractors.

“A contractor whose licence is not
current is not recognised in law. Most of the people we are finding on these
sites do not qualify to be called contractors at all and are practising illegally,”
he said.

Under the National Construction
Authority Act and the NCA Regulations of 2014, engaging in construction without
proper registration attracts penalties, including prosecution.

Project owners who hire unregistered
contractors also risk legal action.

Mariera clarified that projects
valued at Sh5 million and below may be undertaken by NCA-accredited site
supervisors if they meet the authority’s requirements.

“All forms of construction, whether
residential or commercial, must be registered with the NCA. Registration helps
the government maintain a database of ongoing projects and supports capacity
building within the sector,” he said.

During the inspection in Seme, NCA,
working jointly with the Kisumu government, issued two stoppage orders affecting
residential projects, while a commercial site was flagged for non-compliance.

Construction sites may be halted for
several reasons, including lack of a site signboard, poor fencing, absence of
safety signage, unregistered contractors, or lack of an NCA compliance
certificate.

Mariera said even sites with
compliance certificates can be stopped if they later violate safety or
regulatory requirements.

“For a site to get an NCA compliance
certificate, all approvals from the county, Nema, and other relevant agencies
must be documented, verified on the system, and confirmed through on-site
inspection,” he explained.

On capacity, Mariera said the
authority is gradually expanding its workforce despite staffing challenges,
adding that inspections will continue across the region, from central business
districts to rural areas.

He reminded developers that while
single residential dwellings may require fewer approvals, commercial projects
must obtain additional licences from agencies such as Nema, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Water Resources Authority, or the
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, depending on the nature and location of the
project.

“The most basic requirements are
approvals from the county government, Nema, and registration with the NCA.
Beyond that, other regulators come in depending on the complexity of the
project,” he said.

 Instant analysis

The National Construction Authority’s stoppage of non-compliant construction sites in Kisumu highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s building sector, including unlicensed contractors and lack of adherence to safety and regulatory standards. The move underscores the importance of proper approvals, engagement of registered professionals, and compliance with multi-agency requirements for both residential and commercial projects. While some violations stem from developer ignorance, the risks to public safety are significant, as evidenced by past building collapses. Continued inspections and enforcement, coupled with awareness campaigns, are crucial to ensure structural safety, accountability, and sustainable urban development in Kisumu and beyond.