A report by the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has revealed that more than 50 per cent of residential, mixed-use, and commercial buildings in the country are not entirely safe for human use.
In an inspection carried out nationwide by the National Building Inspectorate (NBI), the report highlighted several challenges within the building environment.
The NBI in the report titled ‘Status of the Built Environment 2024’ audited 1,333 buildings in the 2023/2024 financial year.
Out of these, 42 were deemed dangerous, requiring immediate testing and, in some cases, demolition while 246 buildings were marked as unsafe.
Report Shows More Than Half of Buildings Deemed Unsafe
An additional 453 buildings were classified as fair, and 570 were identified as safe.
“These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter oversight and enforcement to address structural safety concerns and support safer urban development,” the report read.
At the launch event, a group of architects and engineers attributed the findings to significant lapses in adherence to construction and planning laws, compounded by corruption among the authorities responsible for enforcing safety standards.
They revealed that both county and national government bodies responsible for overseeing building approvals have fallen short in enforcing regulations, resulting in compromised structural integrity across various regions.
“These failures have left countless buildings vulnerable to potential disasters, putting the lives of occupants at risk,” said Juma Oino from the Nairobi Physical Planning and Land Use Liaison Committee.
“The ongoing negligence could result in dire consequences if immediate action is not taken.”
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AAK stated that building safety remains a pressing concern, with counties like Nairobi, Kisii, and Uasin Gishu recording high numbers of dangerous structures.
AAK stated that the elimination of height restrictions on buildings in some areas is a contravention of the County Governments Act of 2012.
Challenges Experienced in Addressing Development-Related Grievances
The report also highlighted the significant challenges faced by residents in addressing development-related grievances.
According to the findings, 87% of respondents reported encountering safety issues related to construction in their neighborhoods, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement of construction standards and environmental guidelines.
Structural safety issues were also prevalent, with reports of cracks in buildings in Parklands, South C, and Zimmerman, collapsed perimeter walls, and compromised foundations due to neighboring excavations in Highridge, Kilimani, Parklands, Runda, Kileleshwa, Westlands, Lenana, and Rosslyn.
“Poor planning and uncontrolled development are at the heart of many of these challenges,” stated the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).
The survey respondents criticized the proliferation of haphazard high-rise developments without supporting infrastructure, which has led to obstructed natural light, breaches of zoning guidelines, and invasion of privacy.
Another key issue highlighted was the lack of involvement and communication regarding new construction projects.
“A majority of respondents (57%) reported that they had never been consulted or informed about construction activities in their neighborhoods, while 23% stated that they were rarely consulted,” AAK asserted.
“Only 17% of respondents mentioned being informed or consulted sometimes, and 3% indicated frequent consultation or communication.”
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Kenyans Excluded from Construction Plans
It was also revealed that residents are often left out of the decision-making process, with little regard for the impact of construction on their daily lives.
Corruption also emerged as a significant issue, with 59% of respondents attributing zoning violations to bribery.
However, the lack of clear communication channels has further exacerbated these challenges.
Nearly half of the respondents (49%) stated that they were unsure whom to approach with complaints or that their grievances were dismissed outright.
Amid these frustrations, a broader sentiment of helplessness prevails, with 64% of residents feeling that laws and regulations favor developers over communities.
“The current system is skewed, and communities are left to bear the consequences of poorly regulated development,” AAK said.
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