‘Reject National Building Code 2024’: Built environment players protest over Gov’t exclusion of professionals

The purpose of the code is to promote order and safety in construction works and the health and safety of persons in or about construction works.

In a press briefing on Monday, and signed by various associations, including the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK), the Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK), the Architectural Association of Kenya construction managers, landscape architects and interior designers chapter, the group highlighted a two-decade struggle for recognition of the professions of 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 trace back to government initiatives in public universities, where courses were developed and accredited by the Commission of University Education.

However, the group says the government has failed to formally recognize these professions in public sector job postings and projects, leading to ongoing marginalization. 

The group said that this is an “ironic twist” given that the same government that created and accredited these courses now discriminates against their graduates.

According to the group, the National Construction Authority (NCA) had previously requested input from professional bodies, including ACMK, on the draft National Building Code 2024. 

In response, concerns were raised about the exclusion of these emerging professions. 

The feedback emphasized the necessity of their inclusion, highlighting that if regulation was an issue, it should be pursued concurrently with the drafting of the code.

Despite these appeals, the group says that 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 said that the NCA's rationale for this exclusion— a lack of regulation— is flawed, given that the government, responsible for both the accreditation and regulation, has failed to fulfill 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.