A group of stakeholders in Kenya’s construction industry has urged the rejection of the National Building Code 2024, arguing that it significantly excludes and discriminates against certain professions.
The National Building Code aims to enhance order and safety in construction works and ensure the health and safety of individuals involved in or around construction sites.
In a press briefing on Monday, several associations, including the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK), the Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK), and the Architectural Association of Kenya’s Construction Managers, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers chapter, expressed their concerns.
They emphasized a longstanding struggle—spanning two decades—for the recognition of professions such as Construction Project Management, Construction Management, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture.
“Despite these courses being accredited by the Commission of University Education and offered across many universities, these professionals have been subjected to embarrassing perpetual debate as to their legitimacy and position in the construction sector,” the group said.
The origins of these professions can be traced back to government initiatives at public universities, where courses were developed and accredited by the Commission for University Education.
However, the group argues that the government has not formally recognized these professions in public sector job postings and projects, leading to their continued marginalization. They find it an “ironic twist” that the same government responsible for creating and accrediting these courses is now discriminating against their graduates.
According to the group, the National Construction Authority (NCA) had previously sought input from professional bodies, including the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK), on the draft National Building Code 2024. In their response, concerns were raised about the exclusion of these emerging professions, with feedback stressing the need for their inclusion. It was suggested that if regulation was a concern, it should be addressed alongside the drafting of the code.
Despite these appeals, the final version of the building code, launched by the State Department for Public Works through the NCA, did not include Construction Project Managers, Construction Managers, Interior Designers, or Landscape Architects.
The group criticized the NCA’s rationale for this exclusion—citing a lack of regulation—as flawed, arguing that the government, responsible for both accreditation and regulation, has not adequately fulfilled its regulatory role.
“ Who accredited these courses? Who is responsible for their regulation? Who developed the building code? The answer to all is the government,” the group said.
The professionals said that their exclusion affects over 10,000 practicing professionals and thousands of students currently enrolled in these courses.
The associations are now demanding the immediate withdrawal and amendment of the National Building Code 2024 to ensure inclusivity, failing which they will take legal action.
