The National Construction Authority (NCA) has ordered the demolition of a four-storey building under construction in Gitaru, Kiambu County, after declaring it structurally unsafe and at risk of collapse.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, NCA Executive Director Maurice Akech confirmed that the Kiambu County Government had issued a demolition permit on Tuesday, September 10, following a quality inspection that uncovered serious defects.
The NCA Quality Assurance team established that substandard materials, including weak concrete, coarse aggregates, and reinforcement steel, had been used in the construction. Several columns at ground level had already buckled under stress, raising fears of an imminent collapse that could endanger workers, nearby residents, and adjacent buildings.
Construction works were suspended on Monday, September 8, and tenants in neighbouring houses evacuated as a precaution. NCA also revealed that the developer had not obtained mandatory approvals before beginning the project.
“The Authority’s preliminary inspection has established a progressive and escalating structural failure of the building, posing significant risks to workers, nearby structures, and the public,” read part of the statement.
NCA has formed a multi-agency team comprising officials from the Kiambu County Government, the National Building Inspectorate, and the Engineers Board of Kenya to conduct a full structural audit and recommend further action.
The authority has also warned that those behind the illegal construction will face sanctions and legal penalties. It urged developers and contractors to comply with the National Building Code 2024 by seeking all required approvals before breaking ground.
NCA further appealed to the public to report unsafe or non-compliant construction projects through its regional offices, hotlines, or official website
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