State to hold KEBS, NCA accountable for collapsed buildings under affordable housing project

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has revealed that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Construction Authority (NCA) will be held accountable for any building collapses occurring under the affordable housing programme.

This initiative is part of the government's broader effort to enhance the quality standards enforced by these agencies.

Koskei emphasised the importance of ensuring that all building materials meet established quality standards to prevent collapses.

"For building equipment, we want to see all the materials meet the standards. We don't want to see any buildings collapsing because of the quality of materials. We are going to hold you accountable, and we will hold NCA for the engineering part of it," he said on Monday.

Koskei highlighted the progress made in addressing malpractice within state agencies, particularly at KEBS.

He noted that maintaining high-quality standards is essential for promoting good governance and improving service delivery in Kenya's public sector.

"Standards ensure that government services are delivered efficiently, transparently, and with integrity. They are essential in building trust between the public and the government," he added.

Rogue officers

However, Koskei also acknowledged ongoing challenges posed by rogue officers, particularly in operations at ports and the Inland Container Depot (ICD).

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei during a celebration marking KEBS's 50 years of service in Nairobi on October 14, 2024. (Handout)

To enhance transparency, he called for state corporations to publish their financial statements and adhere to regulatory frameworks.

"We have developed a policy to ensure all regulatory authorities take their roles seriously. They must review and implement the statutes that established them, clause by clause," Koskei stated.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industrialisation, Salim Mvurya, supported this initiative, stressing that observing standards is crucial for the growth of Kenya's industrial and manufacturing sectors.

He pointed out that initiatives like the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) will drive innovation and create jobs, underscoring that success hinges on maintaining standards throughout the process.

"Manufacturing is at the heart of our economic agenda. These parks will stimulate growth, create jobs, and position Kenya as a global industrial leader, but this will only succeed if standards are met at every step," Mvurya emphasised.

KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari acknowledged the collaborative role of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and importers, in maintaining these standards.

She called for ongoing cooperation to adapt to emerging global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.

"Standards are not just regulations but a promise to every consumer that the products they use are safe and reliable. As we celebrate 50 years, we look forward to strengthening partnerships and fostering sustainability in our standards development process," Ngari said.