PS Nyakiongora: Slow prosecution of rogue contractors causes impunity

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing & Urban Development, James Macharia Photo: [Courtesy]

The Judiciary has been blamed for laxity and slow prosecution of those behind collapsed buildings.

The Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development said slow prosecution of rogue contractors and house owners had led to a culture of impunity where people continued to violate construction laws.

Principal Secretary Moses Nyakiongora said using poor quality materials and unregistered contractors were the main causes of buildings collapsing.

“Justice is very slow. I have never seen anyone being convicted for being liable over a collapsed building. The justice system needs to set an example,” said Mr Nyakiongora.

The PS spoke in Mombasa during the 50th annual Architectural Association of Kenya convention last Friday.

He represented Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.

SEVERAL BUILDINGS

Nyakiongora said the ministry had marked several buildings for demolition in Nairobi for failing to meet the set standards.

“The ministry has developed legislation to propel the construction industry to the next level. Top on the list is the Built Environment Bill and the National Building Regulations aimed at operationalising the Bill,” said Nyakiongora.

The PS said Sh1 trillion would be spent on construction of over 1 million affordable home units by 2022.

He said the ministry in partnership with National Construction Authority (NCA) would  construct over 3000 building units in Nairobi.

He said Kenya had a housing deficit of 1.85 million units partly contributed by the fast rate of urbanisation.