State to accredit building sector agencies on conformity and safety

Kenya's construction sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, spurred by rapid urbanisation, multibillion-shilling infrastructure projects, and flagship government programmes such as the affordable housing projects.

Across the country, the physical landscape is being reshaped at an unprecedented pace.

Yet, amid this surge in activity, concerns over structural integrity, safety, and quality assurance have become more pressing than ever. Cases of building collapses, project delays, and cost overruns have occasionally cast shadows on the sector's progress.

As Kenya's cities' housing projects continue to grow with expanded road networks, experts are calling for rigorous adherence to global standards through accreditation, a process designed to guarantee competence, ethics, and excellence in projects across the industry.

During a three-day national accreditation awareness forum held in Nairobi that brought together architects, engineers, regulators, contractors, and policymakers, experts deliberated on how accreditation can serve as a pillar for safer, sustainable construction.

It was convened by the State Department for Public Works in partnership with the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).

Principal Secretary for Public Works Joel Arumonyang underscored that accreditation's impact in the construction industry extends far beyond certifying materials.

"It encompasses testing laboratories, certification bodies, and conformity assessment entities, ensuring they meet both national standards and international benchmarks such as ISO," said Arumonyang.

"This process guarantees technical competence, ethical conduct and operational excellence across the sector." The PS noted that as Kenya continues to urbanise and pursue ambitious housing and infrastructure goals, the nation's future structures must not only rise tall but stand firm on the foundations of accountability and excellence.

"Our ambition is not just to build more but to build better, safer, and stronger. Accreditation is how we make that vision real," said PS Arumonyang. He explained that enforcing the standards not only upholds safety but also shields the sector from inefficiencies that have historically undermined its reputation.

"By adhering to accreditation principles, we can prevent structural failures, project delays, cost overruns, and legal disputes that have in the past eroded public trust and, tragically, led to loss of lives," he added.

Secure funding

The PS revealed that the government is deepening collaboration with KENAS to accredit conformity assessment bodies and strengthen certification of construction products.

This partnership, he said, aims to align Kenya's best practices with global norms and enhance the country's competitiveness in attracting both local and international investors.

"Accreditation is now a key signal of trust for investors and financiers. Projects backed by accredited entities are more likely to secure funding and insurance. It is not just a formality, it is the foundation of professionalism, ethical standards, and technological advancement," stated Arumonyang.

To enhance transparency and efficiency, the PS announced plans to launch a digital accreditation portal that will streamline applications, renewals and public access to accredited entities.

The move, he said, will simplify compliance while ensuring that credible institutions are easily verifiable by developers and regulators alike. KENAS Chief Executive Dr Walter Ongeti said accreditation is "the bedrock of quality and consistency" in construction.

He insisted that the Accreditation Service Act of 2019 requires all conformity assessment bodies in Kenya's building sector to be accredited to operate legally, a measure intended to promote uniformity and accountability across the industry.

However, Dr Ongeti expressed concern that the uptake of accreditation remains relatively low, a challenge he attributed to gaps in certification schemes, weak regional harmonisation, and limited public awareness.

"We must close these gaps urgently if Kenya is to unlock its full potential in regional and international construction markets," said Dr Ongeti.

"Accreditation not only ensures compliance but also opens doors to trade, innovation, and global competitiveness. KENAS stands ready to support government and industry partners in realising this vision."

He urged private sector players to invest in accredited laboratories and testing facilities to guarantee the reliability of their materials and workmanship. Acting Secretary Arch Lawrence Gitau, who represented the National Buildings Inspectorate, outlined concrete steps being taken to strengthen the system.

Highest standards

He announced that the Inspectorate, in collaboration with KENAS, is developing a framework to register and accredit conformity assessment bodies while certifying building products and systems.

"This initiative will showcase the competence and impartiality of accredited entities. It will nurture a culture of quality, safety, and consistency in Kenya's built environment, ensuring that every material, component, and system meets the highest standards," Gitau said.

Throughout the forum, participants tackled operational challenges that have hindered wider adoption of accreditation, including bureaucratic bottlenecks, low awareness, technology gaps, and weak enforcement.

Participants noted that digital platforms for project monitoring, certification, and compliance tracking could drastically reduce fraud and improve accountability in both public and private sector projects.