Unapproved buildings flagged as NCA cracks down on illegal construction in Kisumu.

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.

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