Building Code Discussions

One of the overhanging issues that Kenya currently grapples with is a housing crisis, and while discussing the housing crisis, it is atrociously ludicrous not to discuss the building codes. In this piece, I'll tersely dive into the topic of building codes in Kenya, China, and conclude by suggesting a strategic code approach for Kenya.

Over the last couple of years, Kenya witnessed a 1968-2012 reliance on mainly local government building By-laws that were heavily reliant on what is often called the British Standards, followed by a shift from the latter to a 2012-2021 reliance on mainly that which is often called the Eurocodes (the EN 199x series). Currently (and as of 2025) Kenya largely relies on both the latter for structural design, and what is usually referred to as the 2024 National Building Code.

On the other hand, China, in the past, that is within the 1950s, has mainly relied on what some refer to as the Soviet Union codes, followed by a major reliance, in the pre-1980s, on what some refer to as the tentative national codes. Currently China mainly relies on what's often referred to as the Guobiao (GB) standards for seismic, energy, fire, foundations, and concrete, among others, the DB standards, and the JG standards.

To rectify the code strategy that is mainly used in Kenya currently, I would suggest retaining the "2024 National Building Code", and replacing the Eurocodes with the building codes on which China currently mainly relies for structural design, that is the GB standards. The latter, in comparison to the Eurocodes, would be incredibly handy at ensuring faster and cheaper projects, nicer seismic and climate fits, simpler technology transfer of only the efficient construction technology from China, reduced reliance on the expensive certification and testing associated with Eurocodes, and increased potential for cheaper housing.

Maybe this would be the first step at solving the housing crisis that Kenya is currently plagued by?