Nairobians occupying dangerous buildings unknowingly

National Construction Authority and Nairobi County officials should be applauded for timely action that averted deaths after a building they had condemned collapsed on Wednesday in Zimmerman, Nairobi.

Two years ago, the officials found that the building was unsafe for occupation as it lacked pillars besides having weak floors. They ensured that tenants vacated before disaster struck.

Had these noble steps not been taken into consideration, families would be mourning their loved ones who could have been trapped in the debris.

The National Construction Authority should inspect all buildings in the country and raise the red flag to save lives.

I am convinced that there are people who could be occupying dangerous buildings without their knowledge.

The authorities should also ensure only certified contractors are employed to construct buildings.

Proper training and capacity building of contractors should be their core objective as this will ensure a pool of qualified personnel.

Stringent legislation should also be put in place to guide construction sector and award of tenders for the same.

The country has lost lives after substandard buildings collapsed and this should never be allowed to happen again.

The national and county governments should weed out unscrupulous officials who approve construction of substandard buildings that put the lives of Kenyans at risk.