THE NATIONAL BUILDING

CODE 2024
 OUTLINE
BUILDING CODE 2024

INTRODUCTION COMPARISON OF OLD AND RESPONSIBLE CONTENT OF THE

NEW BUILDING CODE PARTIES BUILDING CODE 2024
 INTRODUCTION
History of Building Code
1948 1979/80 1996 2024
Replaced the 1926 by-laws through the Nairobi City The 2nd World Bank/GOK Urban Project Commission of inquiry to examine the existing Gazetted 1st March 2024
Council By-laws (Building) in 1948 and which then on Kenya low-cost housing By-laws building laws, by laws and regulations (1996) –
Launched on 17th July 2024
included town planning zoning requirements. study. (Dr. Mutiso’s Commission)
.

1926 1968 1995 2009

The first by-laws for Building Building Code was adopted. Grade II By-laws were Code 95 - Towards enabling
Building Laws and Regulations Review and
Development controls were meant to satisfy the building control requirements Housing Standards and
Harmonization Committee. Developed the
introduced in the Nairobi Town of the urban authorities but in a non-urban Procedures
draft Building Regulations (Building code)
Council by Colonial Government situation i.e. peri-urban areas .
 LEGISLATION AND COMMENCEMENT
BUILDING CODE 2024

The National Building Code 2024 is anchored under the National

Construction Act of 2011. The Code was gazetted on March 2024,
launched on 17th July 2024 and will come to effect one year after
publication. The code will be operational in March 2025.

IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation of the code will be spearheaded by the National
Construction Authority in collaboration with other industry
stakeholders. The Code has prescribed roles and responsibilities to
each stakeholder.
 PURPOSE OF THE CODE (Paragraph 3)
The purpose of this Code is to promote order and safety in
construction works, and the health and safety of persons in or
BUILDING CODE 2024

about construction works.

SCOPE OF THE CODE (Paragraph 4)

The scope of this Code is to provide:
(a)standards for the design, construction, operation, inspection
and maintenance of a building;
(b)standards for design, building materials, products, elements,
systems and building services;
(c) standards for infrastructure services;
(d)standards for the operations and works at a construction site;
(e)standards for disaster management at a construction site; and
(f) standards for the safety and security of the users and
occupants of a building.
 SCOPE OF THE CODE Cont..
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Paragraph 4 Cont..
(2) This Code shall not apply to the construction and
maintenance of a single storey residential building which is
occupied by the owner and is constructed of locally available
materials whose design is influenced by the culture and
traditions of the area where the building is sited.
 COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Paragraph 5
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(1) A person who engages in construction works, or a

person who owns or occupies a building shall comply with this
Code
(2) A person who intends to undertake any construction
works shall obtain—
(a) a development permission in accordance with the
Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019;
(b) an environmental impact assessment licence issued in
accordance with the Environmental Management and
Coordination Act, 1999;
(c) a compliance certificate issued in accordance with the
Act; and
(d) any other applicable approval.
 SUPERVISION OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS
Paragraph 6
BUILDING CODE 2024

(1) The preparation of the design and supervision of the

works in a building shall only be undertaken by a
professional in the respective fields of specialisation.
(2) A professional under sub-paragraph (1) includes a
physical planner, architect, engineer, land surveyor,
building surveyor, quantity surveyor, accredited site
supervisor and accredited skilled worker, duly registered
under the relevant law.
 COMPARISON OF OLD VS NEW CODE
New Building Regulations Old Building Code
➢ Flexible since it is based on performance specification of design, ➢ Rigid material based on building specifications
materials and construction techniques
➢ The functional and performance criteria are the critical
considerations when selecting design, materials and
construction techniques
➢ Allows revision every five years ➢ Revision mechanism was difficult
➢ The new regulations are national and to apply to all human ➢ Uses two Building By-laws orders (Grade I and Grade II Building By-laws)
settlements without discrimination and segregation ▪ Grade I Building By-laws are of higher standard
▪ Grade II Building By-laws are used for scheduled special areas by local
authorities
➢ The organization of the clauses is based on the building ➢ Grade I Building By-laws has 259 clauses, 12 schedules and 2 appendices
elements and procedures which are coded from A to T. Each ➢ Grade II Building By-laws has 32 clauses
coded group of clauses appear in their own section (booklet) and
can be purchased according to the user reference needs
➢ High penalties for violators of Building By-laws (Kshs. 2 million ➢ Low penalties for violation of the Building By-laws (Shs.2000 or 6 months
and above or 6 months imprisonment for any offence) imprisonment for any offence)
➢ Offers “deemed to satisfy” solutions and explanation notes ➢ Often vague in describing some specification
➢ Examples of acceptable materials and illustrated construction ➢ No illustrations are used
techniques and designs are listed in some regulations
➢ The “deemed to satisfy” solutions will be under continuous
revision depending on technological changes and other societal
factors
➢ Widely refers to the updated Kenya standard and Euro codes ➢ Cites very few cases in the Kenya standards/ and not updated
which are seen currently as “deemed to satisfy” solutions.
➢ All dimension expressed in the metric system ➢ All dimensions were expressed in the imperial system
6/24/2024 9
 COMPARISON OF OLD VS NEW CODE
PARAGRAPH OLD CODE NEW CODE
Updated citations and commencement
Citation and Commencement Outdated legislative references
details reflecting recent legislative updates

Expanded definitions covering new

Interpretation and Definitions Limited definitions
technologies and methodologies

Narrower scope, fewer types of buildings Expanded scope including more building
Scope of Code covered types and construction scenarios

Supervision of Construction Stricter supervision requirements, including

Basic supervision requirements
Works qualifications for supervisors
Updated siting requirements and space
Siting and Space Around Buildings Older siting requirements allocations to align with modern urban
planning standards
Includes provisions for electric vehicle
Parking Spaces No provisions for electric vehicle charging
charging ports
Basic environmental and site preparation Enhanced environmental protection and site
Preparation of Construction Sites requirements preparation requirements
Stricter guidelines on types and quality of
Building Materials General guidelines on materials
building materials
10
 COMPARISON OF OLD VS NEW CODE
PARAGRAPH OLD CODE NEW CODE
Updated load calculations and design requirements to
Older load calculations and design
Structural Design accommodate new materials and construction
requirements
techniques
Detailed specifications for room sizes, heights, and
Spaces Within Buildings Basic spatial specifications
other spatial requirements
New requirements emphasizing fire resistance and
Floors and Walls General construction requirements
structural integrity
Basic safety standards for glazing and Updated safety standards including the use of safety
Glazing and Cladding
cladding glass in specific situations
Staircases, Lifts, and Basic standards for staircases, lifts, Revised standards for dimensions, construction, and
Escalators and escalators safety features
Older specifications for roof New specifications including non-combustibility
Roofs
construction requirements
Water Services, Drainage,
Enhanced requirements for drainage systems, waste
Waste Disposal, and Basic requirements
disposal, and stormwater management
Storm Water Drainage
Older safety and installation Updated safety and installation requirements
Electrical Installations
requirements considering modern appliances and technologies
New provisions for landscape design, maintenance,
Landscaping Basic landscape design requirements
and inclusion of green spaces 11
 COMPARISON OF OLD VS NEW CODE
PARAGRAPH OLD CODE NEW CODE
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Basic inspection and maintenance More rigorous inspection and

Inspection and Maintenance protocols maintenance protocols
Updated standards with stricter
Basic standards for non-waterborne waste
Non-Water Borne Waste Disposal disposal
prohibitions on certain waste disposal
methods
Enhanced requirements for refuse disposal
Refuse Disposal Basic requirements for refuse disposal
areas and waste management

Improved accessibility standards including

People Living with Disabilities Basic accessibility standards requirements for ramps, lifts, and
accessible restrooms

Stricter fire safety regulations including

Fire Safety and Fire Installations Basic fire safety regulations firefighting lifts, rescue staircases, and fire-
resistant materials

Updated procedures and safety

Demolition of Buildings Basic demolition procedures
requirements for demolition
New guidelines for disaster risk
Disaster Risk Management on
Basic safety guidelines management to improve safety and
Construction Sites preparedness
 NEW CLAUSES IN THE CODE
SECTION NEW CLASUSES IN THE CODE
Parking Spaces - Provisions for electric vehicle charging ports
Preparation of Construction Sites - Enhanced environmental protection requirements
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Building Materials - Stricter guidelines on types and quality of building materials

- Updated load calculations and design requirements to
Structural Design
accommodate new materials and construction techniques
- Detailed specifications for room sizes, heights, and other spatial
Spaces Within Buildings
requirements
- New requirements emphasizing fire resistance and structural
Floors and Walls
integrity
- Updated safety standards including the use of safety glass in specific
Glazing and Cladding
situations
Staircases, Lifts, and Escalators - Revised standards for dimensions, construction, and safety features
Roofs - New specifications including non-combustibility requirements
Water Services, Drainage, Waste
- Enhanced requirements for drainage systems, waste disposal, and
Disposal, and Storm Water
stormwater management
Drainage
- Updated safety and installation requirements considering modern
Electrical Installations
appliances and technologies
 NEW CLAUSES IN THE CODE
SECTION NEW CLASUSES IN THE CODE
- New provisions for landscape design, maintenance, and
Landscaping
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inclusion of green spaces
Inspection and
- More rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols
Maintenance
Non-Water Borne - Updated standards with stricter prohibitions on certain
Waste Disposal waste disposal methods
- Enhanced requirements for refuse disposal areas and
Refuse Disposal
waste management
People Living with - Improved accessibility standards including requirements
Disabilities for ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms
Fire Safety and Fire - Stricter fire safety regulations including firefighting lifts,
Installations rescue staircases, and fire-resistant materials
Demolition of - Updated procedures and safety requirements for
Buildings demolition
Disaster Risk
- New guidelines for disaster risk management to improve
Management on
 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
The Code has identified various parties involved in the construction process and has
assigned specific roles to each. The primary responsibility is borne by the designated
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individuals, while other institutions, professionals, and service providers play

complementary roles, holding secondary responsibilities to support the primary role.

The parties can be broadly categorized into:

Approving/Regulatory Authorities
Approving and regulatory authorities are responsible for overseeing compliance
with the building code, issuing necessary permits and approvals, and inspecting
construction works to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. They
include entities such as the County Government, CS in charge of Physical Planning,
NCA, NEMA, WRA, KCAA and Professional Regulators (BORAQS & EBK).

Building Surveyor
Building surveyors are licensed professionals responsible for the periodic
inspection of buildings to ensure they comply with the building code and safety
standards. They coordinate inspections, prepare visual inspection reports, and
submit these reports to owners and approving authorities.
 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES cont.
Certified Individual
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Certified individuals are professionals and/or specialists who conduct specific

tests and inspections as required by the building code. They provide certifications
and reports to verify that construction works meet the prescribed standards and
regulations.

Construction Workers
Construction workers are responsible for carrying out the physical construction
activities on a site, following the plans and instructions given by contractors and
design professionals. They must adhere to safety regulations and standards set by
the building code. They are accredited by NCA.

Contractor
Contractors, registered as such with NCA, are responsible for the execution of
construction projects, including managing labour, materials, and ensuring the
construction work complies with the design and building code requirements. They
also coordinate with other specialist works like plumbing, mechanical and electrical
services to ensure safety measures are in place on the construction site.
 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES cont.
Institutions
Institutions refer to entities such as schools, hospitals, and other public or
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private organizations that must comply with specific building code requirements
related to their operations, including the provision of facilities like latrines and
refuse disposal systems.

Interested Party
Interested parties include any stakeholders affected by the construction works,
such as neighbours, community members, or businesses. They may raise concerns
about the impact of construction on the environment, safety, or local infrastructure.

Occupants
Occupants are individuals or entities that use or reside in a building. They must
comply with the building code and ensure that the premises are maintained as per
the provisions of the code
 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES cont.
Owner/Developer
Owners and developers are primarily responsible for ensuring that construction
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works comply with the building code. They must obtain necessary permits,
coordinate with contractors and professionals, and maintain the property according
to regulatory standards. They are also responsible for the overall management of the
construction project from planning to completion.

Plant/Machine Operators
Plant and machine operators are responsible for operating heavy machinery and
equipment on construction sites. They must be trained and certified to ensure the
safe and efficient operation of the equipment, adhering to safety regulations and
standards.

Professional
Professionals include architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, land surveyors,
and other accredited specialists who design, supervise, and inspect construction
works to ensure compliance with the building code and quality standards.
 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES cont.
Service Providers
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Service providers include entities that supply essential services to the

construction project, such as utility companies, waste management services, and
other specialized service providers. They support the construction process by
ensuring that necessary services are available and maintained according to
regulatory standards.

Specialist Manufacturer
Specialist manufacturers provide specific building materials, components, or
systems that meet the standards and requirements of the building code. They
ensure that their products are tested, certified, and suitable for use in construction
projects
 DUTIES OF A CONTRACTOR
Paragraph 466
(1) A contractor shall not carry out construction works in relation to a project
unless the owner is aware of the contractor’s duties under this Code.
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(2) A contractor shall plan, manage and monitor construction works in a way
that ensures that the construction works is carried out with minimal risk to health
and safety.
(3) A contractor shall ensure that a sub-contractor appointed to carry out
construction works in relation to a project is informed of the minimum amount
of time allowed for planning and preparation before the commencement of the
construction works.
 DUTIES OF A CONTRACTOR Cont..
Paragraph 466
(4) A contractor shall provide a person carrying out construction works under his
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supervision, with the information and training needed for particular work to be carried out
safely and without risk to health, including—
(a) suitable construction site induction;
(b) information on the risks, if any, to their health and safety—
(i) identified through a risk assessment report approved by the approving authority; and
(ii) arising out of the conduct of another contractor which they ought to reasonably to be
aware of;
(c) measures identified by the contractor as a result of risk assessment measures needed;
(d) any construction site rules;
(e) procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to the workers;
and
(f) the identity of the persons nominated to implement those procedures.
(5) A contractor shall provide a person carrying out construction works under his
supervision with health and safety training and personal protective equipment required to
offer them protection during construction work.
(6) A contractor shall not begin work on a construction site unless the construction site is
hoarded.
 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES cont.
The table below shows the various parties identified in the
code and the quantified value of their roles as shown
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below:
 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES cont.
The table below shows the various parties identified in the
code and the quantified value of their roles as shown
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below:
BUILDING CODE 2024

CONTENT OF THE BUILDING

CODE 2024
 First Schedule- Tables (Useful design data)
▪ Occupancy classification.
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▪ Structural Eurocodes.
▪ General classification of bearing capacities.
▪ Details on walls.
▪ Air exchange rate per hour.
▪ Sanitary features.
▪ Sanitation solutions MBR, MBBR, SBR and others
▪ Fire resistance for floors, beams, columns, curtain
walls etc.
 Second schedule- Figures (Illustrative)
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▪ Garage dimensions and minimum dimensions for

garages.
▪ Turning circles for vehicles.
▪ Measurement of floor pan area.
▪ Minimum floor height.
▪ Glass thickness and dimension limits.
▪ Lift well enclosure dimensions.
END