Kenya has implemented the new National Building Code 2024 presenting a crucial shift in construction standards across the country. The new guidelines aimed at enhancing safety, functionality and quality in the construction industry supersedes the 1968 regulations which have long been considered outdated due to changing trends.
The new code provides a comprehensive framework for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings in Kenya.
The National Building Code 2024 calls for adequate ventilation in all residential structures, recognizing its importance for improved air quality and reduced health risks associated with poor indoor air circulation. This emphasis on ventilation is particularly crucial as urbanization intensifies and living spaces become more compact. Additionally, the code stipulates that every kitchen must be equipped with a sink and either a cooking slab or a properly constructed fireplace.
Key focus also falls on material requirements, particularly for kitchens, where the code requires walls to be predominantly tiled or treated with waterproof mortar. These specifications serve to ensure ease of cleaning and durability in the face of moisture and heat.
Explicit requirements for the dimensions of habitable rooms have been established, with single-room occupancies required to have a minimum area of 7.0 square meters and an internal height of at least 2.1 meters.
These specifications aim to ensure that living spaces are not only habitable but can also comfortably accommodate individuals.
Additionally, disaster resilience has also been addressed in the new code, particularly for flood-prone regions. Detailed specifications for foundations based on soil structure have been outlined, which is crucial for ensuring buildings can withstand various environmental challenges. This may include directives to remove unstable black cotton soil or implement drainage systems for waterlogged sites, directly addressing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters
Contractors will also be required to put in place specific requirements for escape routes in emergencies. Every building must have well-defined, unobstructed escape routes, reinforcing vital safety measures. For two-storey buildings accommodating more than 25 individuals, at least two escape routes are mandated to ensure swift and safe evacuation.
Staircase regulations have been updated to reflect safety and usability concerns, with a minimum width of 900mm required for residential buildings and wider staircases mandated for commercial structures. Buildings exceeding one storey must now implement handrails.
In line with these new guidelines, developers are being encouraged to incorporate green building materials and methodologies to create environmentally friendly structures that align with community needs and expectations.