Construction workers for a housing project in Nairobi
The government has approved the formation of a National Construction Authority Bill to regulate and aid development of the construction industry.
The bill to be tabled in Parliament, soon proposes setting up a fund to support upcoming contractors. The National Construction Authority is expected to replace the National Housing Corporation.
“Through this policy and institutional reforms the construction industry will be transformed into a more governable and economically viable industry for the country and serve the needs of the sector,” said Public Works minister Chris Obure in a statement to the media.
Mr Obure added that Vision 2030 has identified development of infrastructure as core to improving both the quality and quantity of the existing facilities so as to contribute to a sustained economic growth of more than 10 per cent annually.
The minister also said that the government aims to build capacity to compete with international contractors.
Local contractors argue they have lost out to Chinese contractors as their country supports them financially. It is also suggested that foreign contractors are given favorable terms as investors with their equipment attracting lower tax as opposed to Kenyan firms importing the same.
The National Construction Authority will:
1.) Register and accredit contractors and regulate their activities.
2.) Register and accredit skilled construction workers and construction site supervisors.
3.) Promote and stimulate the development, improvement, and expansion of the construction industry and advise the government and make recommendations on matters affecting the construction industry.
4.) Conduct research on any matter relating to the construction industry, promoting quality assurance as well as encouraging standardization and improvement of construction techniques and materials.
