Starting March 2025, new buildings in Kenya will be required to integrate smart energy and water management systems before receiving construction approval, as outlined by the National Construction Authority’s (NCA) forthcoming regulations.
These guidelines, part of the National Building Code 2024, aim to transform Kenya’s construction industry by promoting sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and cutting utility costs.
Launched in July 2024, the revised National Building Code pushes for the adoption of eco-friendly practices throughout the construction sector.
The code mandates the integration of energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels, and water-saving technologies, including rainwater harvesting. These measures are designed to enhance building sustainability and lower energy consumption, crucial for Kenya’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
NCA Executive Director Maurice Akech highlighted that the updated code brings modern construction technologies and green practices to the forefront.
“The new guidelines are set to become fully enforceable by March 2025,” Akech said, noting that this transition period allows the industry to adjust while still complying with the old code.
The new regulations also include optional provisions, such as the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in public spaces like shopping malls.
However, the code has faced some pushback from within the construction sector. Certain professionals, including project managers and interior designers, initially objected, arguing that the new regulations did not adequately recognize their roles.
The contentious Section 6 of the code had originally specified only traditional players like architects, engineers, and surveyors for design and supervision responsibilities, leading to concerns that newer disciplines were overlooked.
Akech assured that the government is addressing these concerns. “We’ve already engaged the professionals who had concerns, and we’re making sure their roles will be properly defined and anchored in the law,” Akech stated, indicating that future updates to the code will address these issues.
As Kenya transitions to its new green building era, financial institutions are expected to offer exclusive incentives for green infrastructure, according to Nasra Nanda, CEO of the Kenya Green Building Society. These incentives are anticipated to ease the financial burden on developers aiming to build more sustainable structures.
The push for green buildings comes at a crucial time as the global construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions.
East Africa IFC Regional Director Mary Pescha noted that construction value chains account for approximately 40% of industrial carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. With these new regulations, Kenya aims to significantly reduce its share of that figure.